AUGUSTA – Maine had 32 work-related deaths in 1999, the highest number since the state began keeping track in 1992, according to a report released by the state Department of Labor.

In 1998, the year with the next highest number of deaths, there were 26. The lowest number was 18, in 1995.

The deaths spanned many industries and occupations. But 16 involved accidents with vehicles, including six on the water. Seven involved contact with objects or machinery, three involved falls and three involved assault or other acts of violence.

Six people who worked in the service industry died on the job in 1999. The deaths involved two mechanics, a plant manager, a teacher, a technician and a manager. Four of the deaths were caused by motor vehicle accidents. Two people were struck by objects.

There were four deaths in the construction industry, three in the wholesale and retail trade sector, three in transportation and public utilities, and one in the finance, insurance and real estate industry.

Three sectors – manufacturing, government and agriculture, forestry and fishing – each had five deaths.

In the manufacturing sector, two loggers were struck by falling trees, a welder fell from a crane platform, one machine operator was caught in running equipment and another was electrocuted.

In government, three people died in motor vehicle accidents, one was shot by her estranged husband and one committed suicide.

In the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector, four fishermen drowned and an arborist fell from a tree.

Lynne Lamstein, director of outreach and education for the Bureau of Labor Standards, said it was unclear what was behind the higher number of deaths last year.

“Last year, when we saw an increase, we said, ‘It’s just one year. Let’s see.’ But in 1999, the increase was so great, that we are concerned,” Lamstein said. “We can speculate about things that contribute, but at this point we don’t know for sure.”

Lamstein pointed out that six of the 32 people who died were self-employed. She said that the self-employed may not have as much protection from work-related accidents as those who work for wages or a salary.

Fatal occupational illness were not included in the report.

For details, see the state Web site: http:///janus.state.me.us/labor/blsmain.htm.