Motor vehicle crashes and falls remained the leading causes of preventable death on the job in 2018, as preventable and unintentional workplace deaths continue their rise in recent years, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor.

In 2018, the rate of workplace death didn't increase, while the total number increased 2% to 5,250 from 5,147 in 2017. Unintentional workplace deaths increased to 4,493 from 4,414 year to year.

While motor vehicle deaths remained a leading cause, they decreased to 1,276 from 1,299 in 2017, according to the data.

Unintentional overdoses from nonmedical drugs or alcohol increased for the sixth consecutive year to 305 from 272 the previous year. Falls to a lower level decreased to 615 from 713 in 2017.

"The data shows we are still not doing enough to protect our workers. Workplace fatalities should never be considered a cost of doing business," according to a statement from the National Safety Council. "Employers need to take a systematic approach to safety that includes having policies, training and risk assessment techniques in place to address major causes of fatalities and injuries."