April 19, 2002—The Department of Labors Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released data for the year 2000 on illnesses and injuries on the job, showing a decrease in the amount of time off work due to such injuries.
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao released the following statement about the 2000 Lost Work Day Injury and Illness data:
“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 healthcare 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.”
Based on a report from Safety Currents
