A latest report by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, AFL-CIO, shows that North Dakota led in the highest number of work casualties in the U.S. states

The report shows that at least 4,600 American workers died on the job and 50,000 workers got some kind of disease caused due to their work.

"Over the years, clearly the United States has made progress in protecting workers," said Peg Seminario, director of safety and health at the AFL-CIO, reported by Huffington Post.

"But today the numbers of workers being killed and injured is still too high and unacceptable. Over the last several years, the rate for injuries and illnesses has essentially flatlined."

For the study, the researchers analysed the data on all deaths and injuries that occurred at the workplace. They gathered the information from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. Researchers noted that overall injuries at the workplace were on the decline.

Researchers, however, stated that North Dakota had the highest rate with 17.7 deaths per 100,000 workers. Wyoming was second on the list with a rate of 12.2 deaths per 100,000 workers. This was followed by Alaska with a rate of 8.9 deaths per 100,000 workers. America's rate is at 3.4 deaths per 100,000 workers.

"North Dakota really stood out as a state that's deadly and dangerous for workers," Seminario said. "Workers who work in oil and gas extraction are at very, very high risk."

 "A particular focus is needed on the oil and gas industry. With that industry growing and expanding, we've seen an expansion of fatalities not just in North Dakota, but in other states. It needs much more attention by employers, OSHA [Occupational Safety and Health Act], and other state and federal agencies," Seminario added, reports CBS News.

'Death on the Job' report can be accessed here.