Although there were fewer deaths overall from injuries at work in 1999, the construction industry reported the largest number of fatal work injuries with 341 in 1999.

Labor Secretary Alexis Herman said the report "shows that we must do more to prevent workplace fatalities in the construction industry, just as we have reduced homicides in the workplace. No workers should have to sacrifice their lives for their livelihoods."

Overall, there were 6,023 Americans who died from injuries at work last year, 32 fewer than in 1998 despite an increase in employment.