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BLS: Workplace Injury and Illness Rates Decline in 2000

Dec. 26, 2001

Workplace injury and illness rates declined in 2000 to the lowest level since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began reporting such data.

EHS Today Staff

Workplace injury and illness rates declined in 2000 to the lowest level since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began reporting such data in the early 1970s.

"[This] announcement is good news for both workers and those who employ them," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao about the 2000 Injury and Illness data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. "This data shows that our nation''s workplaces continue to become safer and healthier each year."

Although the number of injuries and illness cases remained basically the same as reported in 1999 -- 5.7 million -- the number of hours worked rose by two percent, resulting in a lower injury and illness rate of 6.1 cases per 100 workers. Injury and illness rates in more dangerous occupations such as construction and manufacturing also continued to decline.

"We must keep improving upon this positive trend in workplace injury and illness rates, through proper enforcement of health and safety standards, as well as OSHA''s model compliance assistance program," said Chao.

by Sandy Smith ([email protected])

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 IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics 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.