BLS Unveils 2003 Workplace Injury, Illness Rate Report; Chao Says Methods are Working

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the U.S. Department of Labor on Tuesday reported that nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in private industry declined in 2003, both in terms of the number of cases per 100 full-time workers, as well as the total number of injury and illness cases reported. The report shows that there were three hundred thousand fewer injuries and illnesses, which is a 7.1 percent decrease in just one year.

“The news behind today’s news is that this Administration has formed more health and safety partnerships with organized labor and employer groups than any of its predecessors, and has set new records for achieving compliance through workplace inspections,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao. “These positive results show that our dual commitment to compliance assistance and enforcement is working.”