Minnesota workplace deaths jump to 84 in 2024
Minnesota recorded 84 fatal work injuries in 2024, up from 70 in 2023, prompting the Department of Labor and Industry to urge employers to tighten safety practices, especially in high‑risk sectors that are heavily represented in the Twin Cities such as construction, transportation and hospitality. New Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries data show private agriculture/forestry/fishing/hunting had the most deaths (19), followed by construction with 18 fatalities, including eight roofing‑contractor deaths, and leisure and hospitality with 10 deaths, six of them in accommodation and food services. Transportation incidents remained the top cause of on‑the‑job deaths with 25 cases, while fatal falls, slips and trips jumped to 20 from 12 the year before, and workplace violence took 15 lives, up from 12. Even with the increase, Minnesota’s 2024 fatality rate of 2.9 deaths per 100,000 full‑time workers was still below the national rate of 3.3, but officials say that’s no excuse for complacency on metro job sites, where recent work‑zone deaths and construction fatalities have already raised alarms. The numbers give unions, safety advocates and regulators hard evidence that specific hazards—roof work, transportation jobs, fall protection and violence—need renewed focus in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area.
đź“Ś Key Facts
- Minnesota had 84 fatal work injuries in 2024, up from 70 in 2023.
- Agriculture/forestry/fishing/hunting recorded 19 fatalities, construction 18 (including 8 roofers), and leisure/hospitality 10 (including 6 in accommodation and food services).
- Transportation incidents caused 25 deaths, falls/slips/trips 20 (up from 12), and acts of violence 15 (up from 12), with an overall fatality rate of 2.9 per 100,000 full‑time workers vs 3.3 nationally.
đź“Š Relevant Data
In 2024, White non-Hispanic workers accounted for 93% (78 out of 84) of fatal occupational injuries in Minnesota, while comprising approximately 76% of the state's population.
Worksites urged to focus on safety as state's fatal work-injuries rise — Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
In 2024, men accounted for 90% (76 out of 84) of fatal occupational injuries in Minnesota, while men comprise approximately 50% of the state's labor force.
Worksites urged to focus on safety as state's fatal work-injuries rise — Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
In 2024, workers aged 55 and older accounted for 48% (40 out of 84) of fatal occupational injuries in Minnesota, while comprising approximately 25% of the state's labor force.
Worksites urged to focus on safety as state's fatal work-injuries rise — Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
đź“° Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time