2006 Occupational Injuries and Illnesses with Days Away from Work

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao issued the following statement regarding data published on Nonfatal Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Requiring Days Away from Work in 2006, http://www.bls.gov/news.release/osh2.nr0.htm. The report, announced by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), provided detailed information on the continued decline in the rate and the number of workplace injuries and illnesses in private industry that required recovery away from work.

"This report shows that, from 2005 to 2006, there was a six percent reduction in the rate of lost time injuries and illnesses, as well as a four percent reduction in the overall number of those injuries and illnesses, both of which represent significant improvements. We now also have new data on selected injury and illness rates by occupation, gender and age group that helps us identify those employers and employees who most need our assistance.

"The U.S. Department of Labor's programs to keep America's working men and women safe and healthy are achieving the desired results — more men and women are going home safe and whole at the end of the workday. However, we will not rest on this positive news; we will continue to work to ensure the safety and health of the nation's employees through compliance assistance; partnerships and cooperative programs; and strong, fair, and effective enforcement."