April 10, 2002
Contact: Sue Hensley
(202) 693-4676
USDL [02-218]

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao released the following statement today about the 2000 Lost Work Day Injury and Illness data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

"Today's announcement is more good news for workers, their families and their employers. The number of workers with injuries and illnesses requiring time away from work edged down, continuing the steady drop since 1992 when the Bureau of Labor Statistics first started collecting this data.

"But the good news is tempered by the fact that truck drivers, laborers, nursing aides and other hard working employees continue to suffer high rates of injuries and illnesses on the job. Their safety and health is important to all of us, and we must continue to find ways to reduce hazards and improve their working conditions.

"More work is needed in reducing falls, assaults on health care workers and injuries resulting from repetitive motion. While the number of workers suffering musculoskeletal disorders has continued to drop, we are determined to accelerate that decline and reduce both the number and the rate of these often painful and disabling disorders.

"OSHA's new four-point ergonomics plan, announced last week, will reduce ergonomic injuries in the shortest possible timeframe. The plan -- guidelines, strong enforcement, new research, and compliance assistance -- will successfully reduce injuries and illnesses in workplaces across America."

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.