Douglas Parker, assistant secretary for occupational safety and health at the U.S. Department of Labor, issued the following statement regarding the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses:
“Today’s report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that the rate of recordable workplace injuries and illnesses in 2023 fell to its lowest level since 2003. Private industry non-fatal injuries and illnesses decreased 8.4 percent from 2022.
“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 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.
“Safety and health is not a partisan issue, and we hope the strategies associated with these outcomes will continue.”