NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.
OSHA Statement
Please note: As of January 20, 2021, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies.
OSHA Statement
Aug. 10, 2006
Contact: Bill Wright
Phone: (202) 693-1999
WASHINGTON -- Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. issued the following statement about the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2005, released today. The number of workplace fatalities totaled 5,702 last year, down from 5,764 in 2004. The fatality rate also declined last year to 4.0 per 100,000 employees, down from 4.1 in 2004.
Fatal falls declined 7 percent last year from an all-time high recorded just a year earlier. Further, fatal work injuries among roofers dropped sharply, by 44 percent, and, fatalities among women in 2005 (402) were the lowest annual total ever recorded by the census. While the number of fatalities among Hispanic employees edged up slightly last year due to increased employment of Hispanic workers, the actual fatality rate declined.
"Today's report is positive news for our nation and all workers," said Foulke. "The overall decrease in workplace fatalities is the third lowest annual total recorded since BLS began collecting this data. More importantly, this shows that more men and women were able to return home safely from their jobs.
"Many of our initiatives to reduce workplace fatalities are showing tremendous successes, but there is still more work to do," he said. "The data released today highlight areas where our resources must be focused in order to eliminate fatalities on the job. We remain committed to doing just that."
U.S. Labor Department (DOL) releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. DOL 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 www.dol.gov/compliance.
Aug. 10, 2006
Contact: Bill Wright
Phone: (202) 693-1999
Statement by Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, On New Workplace Fatality Data
WASHINGTON -- Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. issued the following statement about the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2005, released today. The number of workplace fatalities totaled 5,702 last year, down from 5,764 in 2004. The fatality rate also declined last year to 4.0 per 100,000 employees, down from 4.1 in 2004.
Fatal falls declined 7 percent last year from an all-time high recorded just a year earlier. Further, fatal work injuries among roofers dropped sharply, by 44 percent, and, fatalities among women in 2005 (402) were the lowest annual total ever recorded by the census. While the number of fatalities among Hispanic employees edged up slightly last year due to increased employment of Hispanic workers, the actual fatality rate declined.
"Today's report is positive news for our nation and all workers," said Foulke. "The overall decrease in workplace fatalities is the third lowest annual total recorded since BLS began collecting this data. More importantly, this shows that more men and women were able to return home safely from their jobs.
"Many of our initiatives to reduce workplace fatalities are showing tremendous successes, but there is still more work to do," he said. "The data released today highlight areas where our resources must be focused in order to eliminate fatalities on the job. We remain committed to doing just that."
###
U.S. Labor Department (DOL) releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. DOL 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 www.dol.gov/compliance.