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Department of Labor Logo OSHA Trade Release


Please note: As of January 20, 2021, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies.
Trade News Release
Nov. 21, 2008
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999


OSHA programs contribute to reduced injury and illness rates for 2007

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics announced on November 20 that the rate and number of occupational injuries and illnesses decreased from 2006 to 2007.

According to Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Thomas M. Stohler, "These injury and illness results 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.

"OSHA's efforts reducing workplace injuries and illnesses have included cooperative efforts such as Voluntary Protection Programs that help companies generally experience 50 percent fewer lost workday injuries, and they have injury and illness rates that are 53 percent below their industry's average, and reduced workers' compensation costs."

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. In addition, the ergonomic injury rate declined 9 percent from 2006 to 2007.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.


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