Health

BLS: Workplace Injuries, Illnesses Decreased from 2006-2007

Nov. 21, 2008

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced that the rate and number of occupational injuries and illnesses requiring days away from work decreased 2 percent from 2006 to 2007.

Laura Walter

“From 2003 to 2007, the total number of injuries and illnesses with days away from work declined 11.9 percent, which demonstrates that a comprehensive strategy of targeted enforcement coupled with an emphasis on prevention through compliance assistance is most effective,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “In addition, it's noteworthy that the ergonomic injury rate declined 9 percent from 2006 to 2007.”

According to OSHA Acting Administrator Thomas M. Stohler, these decreasing rates “demonstrate that OSHA's balanced approach to workplace safety is working.”

“It’s an approach that encompasses education, training, information sharing, inspection, regulation and aggressive enforcement that are helping achieve significant reductions in workplace injuries and illnesses,” he said.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.