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Truck drivers led all occupations in workplace fatalities in 2015

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Updated Apr 6, 2018
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Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers accounted for the most workplace fatalities of all occupations in 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ annual Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries.

In total, 745 heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers died from fatal work injuries during the year, the census says. Total work-related roadway fatalities, not just those involving trucks, were up 9 percent in 2015 over 2014 to 1,264 fatal work injuries. Of this total, 629 of the fatalities involved a semi, tractor-trailer or tanker truck, the report states.

The transportation industry as a whole – which includes air transportation workers, motor vehicle operators and material moving workers – accounted for 1,301 workplace deaths in 2015, the DOL says.

The total of 4,836 workplace fatalities in 2015 was the highest since 5,214 workplace fatalities were recorded in 2008.

The full report can be seen here.