WISCONSIN — A recent AFL-CIO report revealed that 112 workers in Wisconsin lost their lives on the job in 2023, underscoring ongoing safety concerns in the workplace despite a slight decrease from the previous year’s figures.

The latest numbers reflect a modest improvement from 2022, when 125 workplace fatalities were recorded. However, the rate of fatal workplace incidents in Wisconsin still exceeds the national average, according to the report.

Persistent Hazards Across Industries

Of the 112 fatalities in Wisconsin last year, 37 deaths were caused by transportation incidents — a leading category of workplace danger. Another 23 workers died due to contact with objects or equipment, 19 from exposure to harmful substances or environments, 17 from falls, and 15 from violent acts.

The AFL-CIO’s annual “Death on the Job” report not only tracks workplace fatalities across the country but also includes data on workplace injuries, illnesses, and OSHA enforcement. The 2023 report once again paints a picture of the continuing risks faced by Wisconsin workers on a daily basis.

Injury and Illness Rates Remain High

In addition to the 112 deaths, Wisconsin saw 56,200 private sector workplace injuries and illnesses in 2023. Of these, 30,600 were considered serious enough to result in time away from work, job transfers, or work restrictions.

While these numbers have been gradually decreasing over the years, they continue to trend higher than the national average. The report noted that Wisconsin’s injury rate remains a concern, particularly in high-risk industries like construction, manufacturing, and public service.

The public sector also reported 9,200 workplace injuries and illnesses in 2023, with most of those incidents occurring at the local government level.

Enforcement Efforts and Inspections

To address safety concerns, 1,808 safety and health inspections were conducted in Wisconsin last year. Just over half of these inspections targeted construction sites — a sector where fall protection, equipment hazards, and worksite conditions frequently draw OSHA scrutiny.

National Data Highlights Inequities

Nationally, 5,283 workers died on the job in 2023. The AFL-CIO report emphasized that workplace fatalities continue to disproportionately affect Black and Latino workers, a trend that raises broader concerns about equity in job safety and enforcement.

In the private sector across the U.S., an additional 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported in 2023, underscoring the breadth of the issue beyond just fatalities.

Honoring the Fallen on Workers' Memorial Day

The report’s release coincided with Workers’ Memorial Day on Monday, when unions across Wisconsin held memorial events to honor those who died while working. The day serves as a solemn reminder of the risks that many workers face and the ongoing need for stronger workplace protections.

The AFL-CIO continues to advocate for increased enforcement, stronger penalties for violations, and expanded safety training programs to help prevent future tragedies.

Originally reported by Colton Pemble in Spectrum News 1.