Work-related deaths in Colorado decrease in 2013

State officials say 65 people died from work-related injuries in 2013, 17 fewer than the previous year.

The figures released by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment show that transportation-related injuries continue to be the leading cause of death in the state. There were 28 transportation-related deaths in 2013, accounting for 43 percent of the total figure.

Men accounted for 59 of the 65 deaths. Of the total number, 60 involved workers in the private sector.

State officials gathered the information from death certificates, coroners’ reports, workers compensation claims and reports from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Meredith Towle with Colorado’s public health department tells The Denver Post the number of workplace deaths has been decreasing nationally and in the state.