State work-related deaths drop, still above national average

Deaths in Nebraska caused by work-related injuries were down in 2013, according to a report released last month by the state Department of Health and Human Services.

While reported work-related injuries and illnesses were also reduced compared to the previous year, hospitalizations were up slightly. Despite the reductions, the state is still above the national average when it comes to occupational deaths and injuries.

Transportation incidents accounted for 21 of the 39 work-related fatalities in 2013, the most recent year data are available.The year before, 48 workers died from workplace injur...