Workplace deaths dropped 3.7 percent in the state, from 465 fatalities to 448. The federal study, released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, found worker deaths ranged from violence to fires or explosions, falls, transportation incidents or exposure to harmful substances. Transportation accidents remained the most frequent type of fatal work injury, both nationwide and in the state. In good news, there seems to be less violence in the workplace. Homicides were down across the country. The 516 deaths in 2006 represented a record low in the 14-year study. In California, the only significant increase was in fatal falls, which rose 47 percent to 87 deaths. A booming construction market might explain this increase.