Fatal occupational injuries
S. P. Baker, J. S. Samkoff, R. S. Fisher and C. B. Van Buren
Deaths resulting from work-related injuries during a one-year period in
Maryland were identified and reviewed. Of 148 workers killed, all but two
were male. Transportation vehicles were involved in 41% of the deaths, with
road vehicles accounting for 25% of the total. Other major groups involved
nonroad land vehicles (16%) and firearms, primarily handguns (11%). Two
thirds of the workers died at the scene or were dead on arrival at the
hospital. Head injuries were the most common cause of death. Eleven percent
of the workers tested had blood alcohol concentrations of 0.08% by weight
or greater. The majority of the deaths involved either hazards that are not
addressed by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 or workers in
categories that are excluded by law from regulation under this act.
