Recently released preliminary results from Bureau of Labor Statistics’ National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries indicate a decline in the number of fatal work injuries from 2011 to 2012. The rate of 3.5 fatalities per 100,000 workers in 2011 dropped to 3.2 per 100,000 in 2012.

Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez recognizes the hard work of the safety professional community in bringing those numbers down:

“I am greatly encouraged by the reduction in workplace fatalities, even in a growing economy. It is a testament to the hard work of employers, unions, health and safety professionals and the Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Mine Safety and Health Administration. Through collaborative education and outreach efforts, and effective law enforcement, these numbers indicate that we are absolutely moving in the right direction.â€

Secretary Perez is also quick to point out that we can, and we must, do even better.

We often think of safety training in the context of compliance and the reduction of typical workplace accidents, and we should do so; but we shouldn’t forget that effective and task-appropriate training can truly be a matter of life and death.

All of us at HSI give a round of applause to the safety trainers, managers, directors, emergency care instructors, and other EH&S personnel who dedicate their working hours to the safety of their crews. It’s our goal to provide you with the training you need, just the way you need it.