However, a 1999 paper says the ILO figures are underestimates—for example the agricultural sector, which has a higher than average fatality rate, is not reported by many countries.
The paper estimates that the number of fatal occupational accidents in the world in 1994 was 335,000, or 14 per 100,000 workers.
During the same period heart disease related deaths associated with long working hours increased by 41%.
According to the World Health Organization, they found that diseases that are non-communicable accounted for the majority of occupational fatalities.
Employers must train all employees in the appropriate safety procedures and maintain a safe working environment so that fatalities are less likely to occur.
In order to perform adequate risk assessment of injuries that occur in the workplace, health and safety professionals use resources such as the Haddon Matrix.
This model assesses the risks leading up to, during, and after a death in order to prevent future incidents of a similar nature.
Employers and employees can learn how to identify risk factors in their work environment in order to avoid incidents that may result in death.
In addition to OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) analyzes workplace injury and illness data from all fifty states as well as provides support for state-based projects in occupational health and safety.
A voluntary program for individual states created in 1989, FACE is active in California, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington.
Trade associations and unions play an active role in protecting workers and disseminating prevention information.
The National Safety Council also works to prevent occupational fatalities as well as provide resources to employers and employees.