Transportation, Agriculture Are Oregon’s Most Fatal Industries

The transportation and warehousing industry was the most dangerous industry in 2009 in Oregon, according to the state Department of Business and Consumer Services, Information Management Division.

According to DCBS’ recent report on compensable fatalities by industry, transportation and warehousing, which includes truck transportation, recorded 11 work-related compensable fatalities in 2009. Compensable fatalities are claims accepted by insurers that arise from a fatal occupational injury or disease that entitles workers and/or their survivors to compensation.

The second-most fatal industry in 2009 was agriculture, forestry, fishing and logging, which recorded 9 work-related compensable fatalities. That was followed by the construction industry, that had six fatalities.

The industries that did not have any fatalities in 2009 included: mining; retail trade; information; finance and insurance; real estate, rental and leasing; management of companies; health care and social assistance; arts, entertainment and recreation; and other services.

DCBS said its data excluded deaths of workers not subject to Oregon workers’ comp coverage, such as workers who were self-employed, worked in Oregon for out-of-state employers, city of Portland police and fire employees, or federal employees. The Department also noted its data is preliminary until the final count for 2009 fatalities is released in late spring of this year.

To view the fatality count for all industries in Oregon, visit http://www.cbs.state.or.us/imd/rasums/ra_pdf/wc/fatal/annual_rpt_09.pdf.