There was a small but not insignificant decline in workplace fatalism over the past year, underscoring the importance of safety precautions and compliance.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 43 fewer workplace fatalities in 2017 than the previous year. The fatal injury rate also decreased from 3.6 percent in 2016 to 3.5 percent in 2017.
For the construction industry, in addition to the decline in overall fatalities, crane-related workplace fatalities, and fatal occupational injuries in the private manufacturing industry and wholesale trade industries reached their lowest points since 1992.
Says Loren Sweatt, Acting Assistant Secretary for OSHA, “Through comprehensive enforcement and compliance assistance that includes educating job creators about their responsibilities under the law, and providing robust education opportunities to workers, OSHA is committed to ensuring the health and safety of the American workforce.”
Nonetheless, social issues continue to take their toll: The number of unintentional overdoses due to the nonmedical use of drugs or alcohol while at work increased by 25 percent – the fifth consecutive year overdose deaths rose by at least 25 percent.
A comprehensive health and safety program includes a proactive effort in all arenas, from machinery to fall protection which continue to top the list in hazards. For more information, contact our offices at Diversified Safety Services.
