Connecticut Workplace Fatalities Decline

Connecticut recorded 33 workplace fatalities in 2023, a 2.9% decline over 2022 and below the state’s annual average for the last 30 years. 

It represents a rate of 2.0 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers compared to the nation’s rate of 3.5 deaths.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows only Rhode Island (1.2) and New Jersey (1.8) saw a lower rate in 2023.

In recent years, Connecticut’s workplace fatalities have decreased. The state recorded 34 workplace fatalities in 2022, and 23 in 2021. 

The U.S. recorded 5,283 fatalities in 2023, down 3.7% over 2022.

Industry Specifics 

Nationally, the construction and transportation and warehousing sectors saw the most fatalities in 2023. 

Construction also posted the highest number of fatalities going back to 2011. 

Connecticut recorded 10 deaths in the construction industry in 2023, seven in administrative and waste services, and five in transportation and warehousing. 

Connecticut recorded 10 deaths in the construction industry in 2023.

Retail trade recorded two deaths and accommodation and food services recorded one. 

Transportation incidents were the most frequent type of fatal event nationally, accounting for 37% of all workplace fatalities.

Connecticut experienced a similar trend, with transportation incidents claiming 14 lives, or 42% of all fatalities.

Workers’ Compensation Rates

The continued decline in workplace fatalities and the overall safety record of Connecticut businesses is reflected in the state’s workers’ compensation rates, which have declined for 11 consecutive years.

Employers saw an average 6.1% cut in voluntary market rates and a 6.2% decrease in assigned risk plan rates for 2025.

Connecticut workers’ compensation rates have declined for 11 consecutive years.

Over the past decade-plus, average voluntary market rate cuts ranged from 2.3% in 2015 to 16.8% in 2019.

In the assigned risk market, average cuts ranged from 0.5% in 2015 to 19.8% in 2019.

Employers have seen cumulative savings of more than $320 million in reduced premium costs over the last 11 years.