The number of fatal work accidents in North Carolina increased from 34 to 48 in 2010, according to a preliminary report from the state's Department of Labor.
The leading causes of death were being struck by objects, which resulted in 16 fatalities, and falls, which led to 15 deaths. Four were electrocuted. 
The year-end total of 48 is below the state's five-year average of 53.2
The state’s injury and illness rate is currently at an all time low for private industry. It has declined from 5.3 per 100 fulltime workers in 2000 to 3.1 in 2009.
Fatalities in the manufacturing sector declined from eight to six in 2010. Construction deaths increased by one to 15.
Mecklenburg County experienced the most fatalities with seven. Eight other counties had two fatalities: Beaufort, Burke, Cleveland, Gaston, Guilford, Nash, Pitt and Rowan.
Business reporter David Bracken came to the N&O in 2004. He covers commercial and residential real estate. Contact David at 919-829-4548 or