Workplace Homicides Rise As Work-Related Deaths Fall

Early figures from an annual Michigan State University report indicate that the number of workplace deaths in Michigan has decreased, but work-related homicides may be rising.

The Michigan Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation program, or MIFACE, shows an estimated 125 workers died while on the job in 2014, down from 134 confirmed deaths in 2013, yet homicide figures for this year already indicate that this number may go up compared to last year.

Work-related homicides increased from 2009-12, peaking at 28 in 2012. In both 2013 and 2014, the number dropped to 16, but the recent 2015 figure may be a strong indicator that this number could rise again.

Fifty-two percent of all the homicides reported last year were in the retail trade industry, which is comprised of convenience and party stores, gas stations, as well as drug and jewelry stores.