High numbers of on-the-job deaths in Florida

The state reached a record number of workplace fatalities in 2004 - 422. More than one a day. Most of them related to the state's multibillion-dollar construction industry. The number in 2005 was 404, a decrease of 4 percent. Still, it was the second-highest fatality count for Florida since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began tracking the numbers in 1992.

Although the numbers for 2006 aren't in, some analysts believe the year might have been less dangerous for workers and 2007 might be even safer.

Those who died in 2005 were nearly all men, mostly white or Hispanic, and the most frequent types of fatal accidents were highway crashes, falls, and being struck by vehicles or equipment.

While the numbers may be trending down, Florida remains a dangerous place to work essentially because it has two factors working against it: Lots of construction, and lots of workers.

"It's dangerous out there," said Joseph Narkiewicz, executive vice president of the Tampa Bay Builders Association, an advocacy group of more than 50 bay area contractors and developers, trade associations and building suppliers.


http://www.sptimes.com/2007/02/19/Business/Danger_zone.shtml

and lots of bad drivers.