US Child Labor Deaths Data Missing for Over Half of Cases 2026

US child labor deaths are significantly underreported, with key data missing for over half of fatalities, according to a new government accountability office (GAO) report. The report, released Tuesday, highlights severe gaps in child labor data that hinder efforts to understand and prevent workplace tragedies involving minors.

GAO Report Exposes Critical Data Gaps in Child Labor Deaths

Between 2013 and 2023, an average of 24 children under 18 died each year from work-related incidents. However, over half of the 260 child fatality cases lacked detailed information on the cause of death or the industry where the child worked. This missing data makes it difficult to identify high-risk sectors and implement targeted safety measures.

Among the 109 fatalities with a reported industry, a staggering 75% occurred in agriculture. Transportation incidents accounted for two-thirds of the 111 fatalities with a known cause of death. These figures underscore the dangers young workers face, particularly in farming and transportation-related roles.

Why Child Labor Data Is Incomplete

The GAO cited a lack of coordination between federal agencies as a primary reason for the data-collection issues. Since January 2025, the US Department of Labor's collaboration with other agencies to address child labor law violations has "largely diminished." Additionally, data collection on working children's injuries and illnesses changed in 2021, making comparisons with earlier years impossible. A labor department survey and two other federal datasets that included child labor injury data have also been discontinued.

These gaps mean that policymakers and safety advocates are working with an incomplete picture of child labor exploitation and its consequences.

Key Takeaways from the GAO Report

• Over half of child labor death cases from 2013-2023 lack detailed cause-of-death or industry data.
• Agriculture accounts for 75% of fatalities with a reported industry.
• Transportation incidents cause two-thirds of deaths with a known cause.
• Federal coordination on child labor violations has decreased since January 2025.
• Discontinued surveys and datasets limit current understanding of child labor injuries.

Comparison of Child Labor Fatality Data

This table illustrates the extent of missing information and the concentration of deaths in specific industries.

Implications for Policy and Worker Safety

The lack of comprehensive data hampers efforts to enforce child labor laws and protect young workers. Without accurate information, it's challenging to allocate resources effectively or develop evidence-based regulations. The GAO report calls for improved interagency cooperation and restored data collection efforts to address these shortcomings.

As child labor violations rise in some sectors, accurate data is more crucial than ever. The report's findings should prompt lawmakers to strengthen oversight and ensure that no child's death goes unrecorded or unexamined.

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