OSHA releases statement on decline in workplace fatalities in 2017

According to the recently released Bureau of Labor Statistics’ National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) in 2017, there were 43 fewer workplace fatalities in 2017 than the previous year. The fatal injury rate also decreased from 3.6 percent in 2016 to 3.5 percent in 2017.

“While today’s report shows a decline in the number of workplace fatalities, the loss of even one worker is too many,” said Loren Sweatt, acting assistant secretary for OSHA. “Through comprehensive enforcement and compliance assistance that includes educating job creators about their responsibilities under the law, and providing robust education opportunities to workers, OSHA is committed to ensuring the health and safety of the American workforce.”

In addition to the decline in overall fatalities, crane-related workplace fatalities and fatal occupational injuries in the private manufacturing industry and wholesale trade industries reached their lowest points since the CFOI started in 2003.

“The scourge of opioid addiction unfortunately continues to take its toll on workers across the country,” Sweatt continued. The number of unintentional overdoses due to the nonmedical use of drugs or alcohol while at work increased by 25 percent—the fifth consecutive year overdose deaths rose by at least 25 percent.