Chao Comments on Latest Workplace Injury, Illness Data

April 2, 2001
Labor Secretary Elaine Chao said she was encouraged by the progress employers and\r\nworkers are making in reducing injuries and illnesses based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

In response to data released last week by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on workplace injuries and illness, Labor Secretary Elaine Chao said she was encouraged by the progress employers and workers are making in reducing injuries and illnesses.

"The new data released by the BLS covering 1999 shows us where our efforts are succeeding and where we need to direct our focus as we move toward developing a 21st Century workforce," said Chao.

Chao noted that despite the fact that there are more Americans in the workforce than ever before, the number of ergonomics-related injuries continued to decline in 1999.

However, musculoskeletal injuries accounted for nearly one-third of all the injuries, according to the data.

"This finding demonstrates the need for a solid, comprehensive approach to ergonomics," said Chao. "It also points to a need to address injuries before they occur, through prevention and compliance assistance, rather than just rely on reactionary methods."

In her statement, Chao reiterated her promise to work with unions, employers, safety professionals and Congress to develop an "effective" strategy to reduce ergonomic injuries.

"This is a serious problem," noted Chao. "We are addressing it head-on, and we intend to find a solution that works."

Also of note in the data was the fact that truck drivers, laborers and nurses'' aides suffer especially high injury and illness rates with time away from their jobs.

"These workers -- together with their employers, families and communities -- pay a high price for the loss," said Chao. "Together, we must keep finding ways to reduce these rates and improve safety, health and productivity of these workers."

by Virginia Sutcliffe

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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