The U.S. Department of Labor's Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health, Doug Parker, has commented on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' release of the 2023 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. The report was made public on December 19, 2024.
Parker stated, "Today’s report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is more positive news for worker safety and health. In November, the bureau reported a 20-year low in the rate of non-fatal worker injuries and illnesses in 2023, and we are further encouraged by the news that the number and rate of fatal worker injuries also dropped in 2023."
He attributed these improvements to "the Biden-Harris administration’s worker-centered approach," which includes stronger enforcement and collaborations with employers and labor organizations. Parker highlighted various initiatives aimed at promoting workplace safety, including mental health support and safe driving programs.
The report showed a significant decrease in fatal injuries among Black workers by 10.2 percent, while the rate for Latino workers fell from 4.6 to 4.4 per 100,000 workers. Parker emphasized that addressing high injury rates among these groups helps ensure more workers can return home safely.
However, Parker acknowledged ongoing challenges: "Despite these promising trends, there is more work to be done. In 2023, 5,283 workers lost their lives. That means a worker dies every 99 minutes." He stressed that each death is a tragedy impacting families and communities profoundly.
