In terms of construction fatalities in Michigan, we don't like where the year 2001 is headed…

The MIOSHA News reports that through the first six months of this year, construction deaths in Michigan totaled 14 - which was the same number at the halfway mark of 1997. That was the deadliest year in recent memory for Michigan Hardhats when a total of 34 were killed during the entire 12 months.

The second highest death tolls came in 1986 and again in 1999, when 31 workers were killed. Overall, there has been a slight trend downward in fatalities over the last few years.

"Construction employers and employees must view their daily tasks with a heightened awareness that an accident could happen on their project and could affect them personally," MIOSHA wrote. "The single most important thing construction employers can do to protect their employees is to have a comprehensive and implemented accident prevention program that includes adequate employee training."