There’s nothing charming about the number 5,488, considering that it’s the preliminary total of recorded fatal work injuries in the United States in 2007.  While it is one large figure, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) it’s a 6% decline from the 5,840 recorded fatalities in 2006.  It’s also the lowest annual fatality rate that the BLS has ever reported since it began gathering data in 1992.

“These numbers show that OSHA’s balanced approach to improving safety is working,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. “However, we will continue to work to eliminate all fatalities since one fatality is one fatality too many.”

Is it Really Better?

But critics question this figure since it includes fatalities involving violent acts and transportation.  “What are the real things OSHA has something to do with?” asked Celeste Monforton, a researcher at the George Washington University School of Public Health. “There is little the agency could have done to prevent some of those deaths.”

Critics also say that if fatalities involving transportation and violent acts are subtracted from the equation, the figures won’t be so impressive. In fact, according to the BLS data, transportation- and violence-related fatalities reported in 2007 total to 2,415.  This, sadly, is not the lowest figure on record.

The Real Gauge

Take note, though, that compared to previous years, the 2007 economy saw more jobs for workers.  With more employees joining the workforce, there’s a tendency for more work-related deaths in the past year.

Then again, in recent years, more and more hazardous jobs have been moving overseas.  “Your rate of fatalities is going to drop because you’re adding toy store workers instead of construction workers or steelworkers,” Bob Whitmore, OSHA’s head of recordkeeping, said.

A more reliable gauge then is the rate.  Excluding violence- and transportation- related deaths; there were 1.64 deaths per 100,000 workers in 2007.  This rate then makes 2007 a year with the lowest rate of workplace fatalities.

A Safer 2008

We could only hope that 2008 becomes even better than the past year with more companies taking the necessary steps in protecting their employees.   Despite several crane- and heat- related fatalities reported recently, we’re still crossing our fingers that 2008 sees the least number of deaths (and injuries) in the workplace.

Related Links:

• How Workplace Safety Applies to Every Business
• Disregarding Safety Will Cost You Twice (and so much more)
• Crane Safety:  Where Are We Going Wrong?
• Heat- Related Deaths and Fines Appealed