The Minnesota Fatal Accident Circumstances and Epidemiology Study. Surveillance of occupational fatalities

This report describes the Minnesota Fatal Accident Circumstances and Epidemiology Study (MN FACE), a new federally funded initiative to study fatal injuries in the workplace. Its primary objective is to reduce occupational fatalities. Fatalities due to falls, electrocutions, and asphyxiation caused by entry into confined spaces are currently investigated in Minnesota. MN FACE determines risk factors associated with fatalities then develops interventions for their mitigation or elimination. A comprehensive, statewide surveillance system, including state agencies, associations, organized labor, and industry, has been established to reduce the amount of bias in reporting.