WASHINGTON Preliminary results from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries released today show a decline in workplace fatalities in 2009 compared with 2008. Last year, 4,340 workers died from work-related injuries, down from a final count of 5,214 fatal work injuries in 2008. In response, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement: "A single worker hurt or killed on the job is one too many.
"While a decrease in the number of fatal work injuries is encouraging, we cannot – and will not – relent from our continued strong enforcement of workplace safety laws.
"As the economy regains strength and more people re-enter the workforce, the Department of Labor will remain vigilant to ensure America s workers are kept safe while they earn a paycheck. After all, as I ve said before, no job is a good job unless it is also safe."
Source: Office of Public Affairs
