Ward Media | Kitsap Business

Fatal work injuries in Washington state decreased to 97 in 2023, down from the previous year, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in March 2025.

Exposure to harmful substances or environments was the leading cause of workplace deaths, accounting for 25 percent (24 fatalities) of the total. Falls, slips, and trips caused 22 percent (21 fatalities) of work-related deaths, followed by transportation incidents at 21 percent (20 fatalities).

The transportation and warehousing sector recorded the highest number of fatalities with 17, including 10 in the truck transportation subsector. Construction ranked second with 16 fatalities, followed by agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting with 15.

Among occupations, transportation and material moving workers suffered the most fatalities (24), with motor vehicle operators accounting for 15 of these deaths. Construction and extraction occupations recorded 15 fatalities.

Men accounted for 88 percent of the work-related deaths in Washington. Workers aged 25-54 represented 63 percent of victims, while those 55 and older accounted for 35 percent.

By race and ethnicity, white non-Hispanics comprised 61 percent of workplace fatalities, followed by Hispanic or Latino workers at 18 percent.

Historically, fatal occupational injuries in Washington have ranged from a high of 128 in 1996 to a low of 56 in 2013. Nationwide, workplace fatalities decreased 3.7 percent in 2023, with 5,283 deaths recorded.