Fatal work injuries up nearly 20 percent in Minnesota

State officials report nearly a 20-percent increase in fatal work injuries — 80 deaths in 2021, compared to 67 the year before.  Transportation incidents accounted for the most work deaths, followed by falls, slips and trips.  James Honerman with the state Department of Labor and Industry says the focus has to be safety, on the road and at work:

“It is important that workplaces address injury and illness rates daily, and companies should focus on having an active safety and health committee to evaluate.”

Construction and extraction jobs had the highest number of fatalities, followed by jobs driving large trucks.