Preventable workplace
On October 29,the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced that injury and illness rates among private industry employers are down from a total case rate of 4.2 in 2007 to 3.9 in 2008. BLS also reported a decline in non-fatal occupational injuries and illnesses from 4 million cases in 2007 to 3.7 million cases in 2008. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement: "Preventable workplace injuries and illnesses affect millions of American workers every year, many with lifelong effects. "While I am cautiously optimistic that these decreases in injury and illness rates represent change in the right direction, they do not lessen the need for strong enforcement to ensure that safety is a top priority in every workplace."To help verify the accuracy of injury and illness records, the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched a National Emphasis Program on Recordkeeping that will help assure the accuracy of injury and illness data reported by employers."Today’s report prompts us to step up our vigilance on accurate recordkeeping, particularly as the economy regains momentum." This is good news considering that just a couple of days ago, OSHA released the 2009 top ten violations with its numbers increasing almost 30% over the same time period in 2008 (- 2009 Top Ten Violations- as Reported by OSHA). Although the decline in the report is a great step in the right direction, we couldn't agree more with Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis's statement- enforcement to ensure safety should not be lessen.