During 2020, the U.S. saw more than 4,760 workplace fatalities, representing a decrease of 10.7% compared with the prior year, according to law firm Schmidt and Clark, LLP.

"Transportation incidents" accounted for the most fatalities, 1,778. Roadway collisions with "other vehicles and objects" were responsible for 1,038 of those deaths, Schmidt and Clark reported.

Exposure to harmful substances and environments was the second leading cause of work deaths, accounting for 805 fatalities. Contact with equipment or "objects," and violence and other injuries by persons or animals each accounted for more than 700 deaths in 2020. Falls, slips and trips resulted in 672. Slightly more than 70 deaths were attributed to fires and explosions during the period.

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Steve Hallo

Steve Hallo is managing editor of PropertyCasualty360.com. He can be reached at [email protected]

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