By Jason Foster, AFL Staff

Almost 100 workers were killed because of work in 1998, according to figures from Alberta Labour

No official figures have been released to the public yet, but the AFL has learned that the total number of workplace fatalities in 1998 will be between 90 and 100 deaths. Ninety deaths have been confirmed, with a few other investigations ongoing.

In 1997, 120 workers were killed, the most in recent history. In 1996, 91 deaths were recorded as work-related.

Alberta Labour only considers deaths accepted as compensable by WCB. The figures does not include workers killed from cancer or other occupational diseases denied by WCB.

"Despite the truckloads of government rhetoric about prevention, the number of workplace deaths has not dropped in the last five years," says Audrey Cormack, President of the AFL. "Work in Alberta remains far too dangerous."

Final figures for 1998 are expected to be released in summer.