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OSHA News Release
2002 - 09/25/2002 - STATEMENT BY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF LABOR JOHN HENSHAW ON 2001 WORKPLACE FATALITIES

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September 25, 2002
Contact: Frank Meilinger
Phone: (202) 693-1999


STATEMENT BY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF LABOR JOHN HENSHAW ON 2001 WORKPLACE FATALITIES

(WASHINGTON) -- Today's release of workplace fatality data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics is a grim reminder to us all of the importance of job safety and health and the value of human life. Many workers who died in 2001 were killed by terrorists on Sept. 11. But 5,900 other workers also died from injuries and illnesses that are still far too common in our workplaces.

The 2001 fatality rate was essentially unchanged over the prior year. The good news is that there were significant drops in worker fatalities in manufacturing, from homicides and among youth. But we have great concern over the increase in deaths among construction workers, Hispanic and Latino individuals and those dying from falls.

Our challenge is to continue to improve our programs, fine tune our systems and work harder than ever to drive down the fatality numbers even further. We won't stop until we are successful. You have my word on that.

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U.S. Labor Department news releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this release will be made available in alternative format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call 202-693-7773 or TTY 202-693-7755.

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