Medical-examiner-reported fatal occupational injuries, North Carolina, 1978-1984

Fatal occupational injuries are a major public health problem in the U.S. Utilizing a medical examiner database from North Carolina, 1,233 fatal work-related injuries were identified in a 7-year time period. Twelve percent of these deaths were in out-of-state residents. For men, highest risk industries were forestry/fishery, agriculture, trade, and transportation/public utilities/communications. Only 4% of deaths occurred in women. The most common manner of death in women was homicide. Highest-risk industries for women were agriculture, trade, and transportation/public utilities/communications. Of 902 decedents tested, alcohol was found in 11%, and 7% had levels at or above 100 mg%. Because of its completeness, the North Carolina Medical Examiner System is a useful tool to use in the surveillance of fatal occupational injuries.