Agency notifies workplaces with higher than average injury, illness rates

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration notified more than 13,500 employers that have injury and illness rates that are considerably higher than the national average.

In a letter sent to those employers, the agency explained that the notification was intended to encourage companies to take action to reduce these rates and improve safety and health conditions in their workplaces.

"Employers whose businesses have injury and illness rates this high need to take immediate steps to protect their workers," said Jordan Barab, acting assistant secretary of labor for OSHA. "Our goal is to make employers aware of their high injury and illness rates and to get them to eliminate hazards in their workplace. To help them in this regard, OSHA offers free assistance programs to help employers better protect the safety and health of their workers."

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The agency identified businesses with the nation's highest rates of workplace injuries and illnesses through employer-reported data from a 2008 survey of 80,000 work sites. This survey collected injury and illness data for calendar year 2007. Workplaces receiving notifications had rates more than twice the national average among all U.S. workplaces for injuries resulting in days away from work, restricted work activity, or job transfer.

Employers receiving the letters were also provided copies of their injury and illness data, along with a list of the most frequently cited OSHA standards for their specific industry. The letter offered assistance to reduce these numbers by suggesting, among other things, the use of free OSHA safety and health consultation services, state workers' compensation agencies, insurance carriers, or outside safety and health consultants.

June 1, 2009

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