While last year saw a spike in on-the-job deaths in Michigan primarily due to a higher number of construction fatalities, numbers have remained relatively consistent over the years, with preliminary numbers for 2017 actually getting back to earlier figures. That's according to an annual Michigan State University report that tracks work-related deaths in the state.
An estimated 140 workers died in the workplace last year, down from 162 confirmed deaths in 2016.
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The report is part of the Michigan Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation program, or MIFACE, and is being released as the nation gets ready to recognize Workers’ Memorial Day on April 28.
Workers and public health professionals across the country pay tribute throughout the week to those killed by work-related trauma – about 5,000 each year nationwide. Another 60,000 U.S. workers are estimated to die each year from cancer, lung disease and other illnesses from work-related exposures.
MIFACE is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and MSU works closely with the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration on the project.