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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) Federal data ranks South Dakota fifth nationally in rate of deaths on the job. North Dakota ranked sixth.

Alaska led the country with the highest fatality rate at 13.8 per 100,000, followed by Wyoming at 12.9, West Virginia at 10.2, Montana at 9.2, South Dakota at 8.8 and North Dakota at 8.7.

The federal figures were compiled in a report by the AFL-CIO in Washington, D.C., titled "Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect." Officials say Alaska, Wyoming and Montana rank high on the list because the states traditionally have high employment in natural resources, such as logging, mining, and oil and gas drilling.

The lowest state fatality rate, 1.8 per 100,000, was reported in Rhode Island and New Hampshire, followed by New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts at 2.1.

On the Net: AFL-CIO report: www.aflcio.org/issues/safety/memorial/upload/doj2008.pdf (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 04-26-08 0818CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list