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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: 202-693-1999
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has
identified 12,500 workplaces with the highest occupational injury and illness
rates and is urging the employers to take action to remove hazards causing the
high rates.
The employers are those whose establishments reported the
highest "lost workday injury and illness" rates to OSHA in a survey of 1997
injury and illness data covering 80,000 workplaces. For every 100 full-time
workers, the 12,500 employers had eight or more injuries or illnesses which
resulted in lost work days. The national average is 3.3.
"These employers must do better," Secretary of Labor Alexis
M. Herman said. "They must do everything possible to reduce the hazards in
their workplaces and we're willing to help them. Workers should not have to
risk serious injury or illness or their lives for their livelihood."
Charles N. Jeffress, assistant secretary of labor for
occupational safety and health, is sending letters to the employers, as well as
a copy of the injury and illness data for their establishment and a list of the
most frequently violated OSHA standards for their particular industry.
"Employees in your business are being injured at a higher
rate than in most other businesses in the country," the assistant secretary
said in the letter. "I am writing you both to indicate my concern about the
high lost work day injury and illness rate at your establishment and to
identify ways that you can obtain assistance in addressing the hazards in your
workplace."
"OSHA recognizes that an elevated lost work day injury and
illness rate does not necessarily indicate a lack of interest in safety and
health on the part of your business. Whatever the cause, however, a high rate
is costly to your company in both personal and financial terms, " Jeffress
added.
Many employers lack expertise in workplace safety and
health and welcome assistance by experts in the field. Jeffress said that "you
may wish to consider hiring an outside safety and health consultant, talking
with your insurance carrier, or contacting the workers' compensation agency in
your state for advice."
"An excellent way for employers with 250 or fewer workers
to address safety and health is to ask for assistance from OSHA's on-site
consultation program," he said. The consultation program is administered by
state agencies and operated separately from OSHA's inspection program. The
service is free, and there are no fines even if problems are found.
The consultation program can help a small employer identify
hazards in the workplace and find effective and economical solutions for
eliminating or controlling them. The OSHA consultant also can assist in
developing and implementing a safety and health management program for the
workplace.
The letter tells the employer where the OSHA consultation
program in that state may be contacted.
"I encourage you to consider these suggestions to ensure
safe and healthful working conditions in your establishment, " Jeffress
concluded. "Please remember, however, that an OSHA inspection may still occur
whether or not you use a consultant to assist with your program."
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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