Workplace injury and illness rates declined in 1999 for the seventh straight year-nearly a 30 percent drop since 1992. This steady trend downward shows that employers and workers are making occupational safety and health a high priority. That's good news for business, workers and all Americans.

Injuries and illnesses dropped 4 percent in 1999 even though employment rose 2 percent. That means 200,000 more workers went home to their families without a job-related injury or illness than in 1998.

I am delighted with the progress we have made together with workers and employers in job safety and health during the Clinton Administration. We said we would measure our success by whether injuries and illnesses declined. They have-continuously and significantly. These efforts must continue until every worker goes home whole and healthy every day.