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AFL-CIO: Workplace Deaths Decreased in 2024, but the Trump Administration Threatens That Progress

AFL-CIO
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In response to newly released data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showing that 5,070 workers died on the job in 2024—a decrease from the previous year—AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler released the following statement:

The labor movement mourns each of the 5,070 workers who lost their lives on the job in 2024. Every one of these deaths is not only an invaluable life lost, but also brings immeasurable grief and hardship for families and communities. While it is a relief to see that number decrease in 2024, which took place during the Biden administration, let’s be clear: The number of annual workplace deaths should be zero. And now, the current administration’s billionaire-first agenda puts that progress in jeopardy.

The Trump administration has slashed worker safety rules, undermined the federal agencies that hold employers accountable, pushed out and disrupted the dedicated experts who inspect worksites for safety violations, and given handouts to big corporations and special interests actively working to weaken safeguards for workers. This government must enforce the workplace safety laws already on the books, fully staff and fund agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Mine Safety and Health Administration, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and empower OSHA inspectors to conduct investigations into unsafe workplaces. 

At the AFL-CIO, we’re committed to preventing workplace deaths by demanding comprehensive and robust federal laws and safety guardrails to protect workers on the job. We will continue to oppose President Trump’s anti-worker agenda so every single worker can return home safely at the end of their shift.  

 

Data on Workplace Deaths in 2024

  • TOPLINE: There was a 4% decrease between the number of workplace deaths in 2023 (5,283) and 2024 (5,070).
    • The fatal work injury rate per 100,000 workers decreased from 3.5 in 2023 to 3.3 in 2024. That progress is under threat because of the Trump administration’s attacks on worker health and safety.
    • The leisure and hospitality industry was the primary sector where workplace deaths increased, with the fatality rate increasing from 2.3 to 2.4 per 100,000 workers.
  • AGE: Young workers (16–17 years of age) and workers 65 and older were more impacted by workplace fatalities in 2024 than they had been in previous years. Jobs are becoming more dangerous for younger workers as states attempt to loosen child labor laws. At the same time, older workers who are staying in the workforce longer are facing more dangers.
    • The rate of young worker workplace deaths increased from 1.3 in 2022 to 1.9 in 2023 and then to 2.7 in 2024—nearly doubling the rate from 2020.
    • In 2024, 824 older workers died on the job, the highest number ever reported for this group. The fatality rate per 100,000 workers rose from 8.7 in 2023 to 9.1 in 2024.
  • RACE/ETHNICITY: After years of increasing rates, workplace fatalities for Black and Latino workers finally decreased in 2024. However, they continue to be disproportionate compared to the rate of 3.3 per 100,000 for all workers.
    • The fatality rate for Black workers dropped from 3.6 per 100,000 workers in 2023 to 3.4 in 2024.
    • For Latino workers, the rate decreased from 4.4 per 100,000 workers in 2023 to 4.3 in 2024.

Contact: Prerna Jagadeesh, 202-637-5018