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09-1011-NAT
Aug. 20, 2009
Contact: Amy Louviere
Phone: 202-693-9423

U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis, in response to worker fatality decline in Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, says one death is too many

WASHINGTON - In response to today's Bureau of Labor Statistics report announcing the preliminary Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries of 5,071 fatal work injuries in 2008 - down from a total of 5,657 fatal work injuries reported in 2007 - U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement:

"With every one of these fatalities, the lives of a worker's family members were shattered and forever changed. We can't forget that fact.

"While the decrease in the number of fatal work injuries represents change in the right direction, it does not lessen the need for strong enforcement to ensure that safety is a top priority in every workplace. In fact, today's report prompts us to step up our vigilance, particularly as the economy regains momentum.

"Working with both employers and employees, the Department of Labor will not be satisfied until there are no workplace deaths due to failure to comply with safety rules."

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U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance.