Occupational fatalities in Kentucky--1994

In Kentucky, seven out of nine industry groups exceed the national average fatality rates; in 1994, the agriculture/forestry/fishing industry rate of 80/ 100,000 was more than three times the national average. This paper describes the occupational fatality data collected during the first year of operation (1994) of the Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Project in Kentucky. Investigators used multiple reporting sources to identify incidents, which were then systematically recorded and updated. On-site investigations were conducted for certain categories of fatalities. One hundred sixty-six occupational fatalities were recorded for 1994. Motor vehicle incidents were the most common cause of death, followed by machine-related incidents. Ages of victims ranged from 15 to 86 with a median of 46. Investigators completed 22 on-site visits during the period. In this article, descriptive statistics are presented, as well as suggestions for ways the medical community might contribute to the occupational fatality prevention effort.