December 30, 2002—US Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao commented December 19 on the 2001 Workplace Injury and Illness Rates just released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Today’s announcement of continued decline in workplace injuries and illnesses is good news for America’s working men and women, their families, and their employers. Workplace injuries and illnesses have dropped for the ninth consecutive year, reaching an all-time low. Construction injuries are down. And there has been a 10% reduction in repeated trauma injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and other musculoskeletal disorders.
“There were 500,000 fewer job-related injuries in 2001 than the year before, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This year’s rate of 5.7 injuries per 100 full-time employers reflects an eight percent drop in cases from the previous year.
“While we are encouraged by this news, much remains to be done. One injury or illness is one too many. As we approach the coming year, we are renewing our commitment to reducing workplace injuries and illnesses even further. And we are asking our partners—employers, trade associations, labor unions, safety and health professionals and others—to join in renewing their commitments as well. Together we will make the coming year the safest and most healthy ever for our nation’s workers.”
