Results from the US American Bureau of Labor Statistics' Survey of Occupational
Injuries and Illnesses released Oct. 21 show there were about 400,000 fewer
nonfatal occupational illnesses and injuries reported by private industry
employers in 2009 than in the previous year. Of the 3.3 million illnesses and
injuries reported in all industries, the manufacturing industry showed the
largest decline in cases since 2003. The number fell by 23 percent (161,000
cases) while the rate of reportable injuries and illnesses for every 100
workers dropped by 14 percent. The construction industry reported a 22 percent
decline (71,700 fewer cases) with a corresponding drop of more than six percent
in the workplace injuries and illnesses rate.

In response to the findings, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the
following statement:

"Complete and accurate workplace injury records can serve as the basis for
employer programs to investigate injuries and prevent future occurrences. Most
employers understand this and do their best to prevent worker injuries, but
some do not. That is why my department's Occupational Safety and Health
Administration is aggressively working to ensure the completeness and accuracy
of injury data compiled by the nation's employers. We are concerned about the
widespread existence of programs that discourage workers from reporting
injuries, and we will continue to issue citations and penalties to employers
that intentionally under-report workplace injuries."

More info

AplusA-online.de - Source: U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration