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OPA Press Release:
Statement of Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao On Historic Lows in
Workplace Injury and Illness
WASHINGTON– U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao released
the following statement today about the 2000 Injury and Illness data released
by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
“Today’s announcement is good news for both workers and those
who employ them. Workplace injury and illness rates declined in 2000, to the
lowest level since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began reporting this data in
the early 1970s. This data shows that our nation’s workplaces continue to
become safer and healthier each year.
“While the number of injuries and illness cases remained basically
the same as reported in 1999 -- 5.7 million -- the number of hours worked rose
by two percent, resulting in a lower injury and illness rate of 6.1 cases per
100 workers. Injury and illness rates in more dangerous occupations such as
construction and manufacturing also continued to decline.
“We must keep improving upon this positive trend in workplace
injury and illness rates, through proper enforcement of health and safety
standards, as well as OSHA’s model compliance assistance
program.”
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