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OSHA News Release: [10/20/2006]
Contact Name: Sharon Worthy or David Sims
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or (202) 693-1898
Release Number: 06-1851-NAT

Statement by U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao On 2005 Workplace Injury and Illness Rates

Overall Rate is Lowest on Record

WASHINGTON — The rate of workplace injuries and illnesses in the private industry declined in 2005 for the third consecutive year, the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported Thursday, Oct 19. The BLS "Workplace Injuries and Illnesses in 2005" report noted that nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses declined from the previous year—to 4.6 cases per 100 workers in 2005, compared to 4.8 cases in 2004. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao issued the following statement about the report:

“The announcement that workplace injuries and illnesses in 2005 were at an all-time low is more good news for America’s workers and reflects the department’s effective worker health and safety strategy: 1) compliance assistance; 2) health and safety partnerships with labor, and; 3) targeted, aggressive enforcement against bad actors.

“As encouraging as the report is, there is more to do and the department is working hard to make workplaces even safer and healthier for America’s workers.”

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