Thirty-one people died on the job in Wyoming last year, according to data released this week by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services.

Since 1992, the state has seen an average of 33 workplace fatalities each year, so the 2018 figure is slightly below average.

Most of last year's occupational deaths, 61.3%, were the result of transportation incidents. Since 2003, transportation incidents such as highway crashes or aircraft incidents have accounted for 56.6% of all workplace deaths in the state.

Last year, nine deaths occurred in trade, transportation and utilities, accounting for 29% of the 31 total deaths. Six deaths were reported in the leisure and hospitality industry, making up 19.4% of the total, and five deaths were reported in construction.

Four deaths occurred in agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, while three people passed away in the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector.

"Variations in fatalities from year to year are, to some extent, the result of the random nature of work-related accidents. Furthermore, there is not always a direct relationship between workplace fatalities and workplace safety," the department said in a statement dated Dec. 17.

"For example, suicides and homicides that occur in the workplace are included as occupational fatalities. Occupational fatalities are counted in the state where the injury occurred, not necessarily the state of residence or the state of death," the department explained.

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