For 23 years, the AFL-CIO has been issuing a report on workplace neglect leading to job-related deaths. According to the 2014 edition of this report, which is based on data from 2012, North Dakota has the highest worker mortality rate per capita at 17.7 per 100,000 workers. This is the highest rate ever recorded for the state. Other states with high death rates included Wyoming with 12.2, Alaska with 8.9, Montana with 7.3, and West Virginia with 6.9.

Overall, in 2012, 4,628 workers were killed due to traumatic injuries suffered in the workplace. However, this number does not account for death due to chronic work-related illnesses. For example, exposure to toxic chemicals in the workplace can go for years without resulting in any symptoms. AFL-CIO estimates that these work-related deaths amount to another 50,000 annually.

According to KRDO, an estimated 12 workers die every day as a result of workplace injuries. AFL-CIO aims to reduce this number by increasing awareness of the risks, pushing regulatory measures, and securing employer participation in worker safety.

A press release from AFL-CIO notes that the passage of Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) in 1970 was the first major measure for workplace safety. Since then, the job fatality rate has been cut by 81 percent, saving more than 492,000 lives. However, the organization comments that there is still more work to be done. With a number of states seeing increases in their job fatality rate, there is clearly room for improvement.