The U.S. Department of Labor's Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health, Douglas Parker, commented on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2023 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. The report indicates that the rate of recordable workplace injuries and illnesses in 2023 has reached its lowest level since 2003, with private industry non-fatal injuries and illnesses decreasing by 8.4 percent from 2022.
Parker expressed optimism regarding these developments: “We are encouraged by these significant improvements in injury and illness rates in 2023. Looking at the BLS report and our own recent analysis showing fewer worker deaths in OSHA’s purview, our formula of strong enforcement combined with collaboration between government, labor and the private sector to make workplace safety and health as a core value is making a difference in the lives of America’s workers."
Despite this progress, Parker emphasized that more work remains to be done: “Despite the progress reported today, OSHA’s work is far from complete. Too many workers are injured or sickened every day in the United States, mostly from preventable incidents. We all must continue our commitment to making sure that every worker is able to go home healthy and whole."
Parker concluded by underscoring the non-partisan nature of safety efforts: “Safety and health is not a partisan issue, and we hope the strategies associated with these outcomes will continue.”
