Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis comments on decline in fatal occupational injuries during 2009

WASHINGTON Preliminary results from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries released today show a decline in workplace fatalities in 2009 compared with 2008. Last year, 4,340 workers died from work-related injuries, down from a final count of 5,214 fatal work injuries in 2008. In response, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement:

"A single worker hurt or killed on the job is one too many.

"While a decrease in the number of fatal work injuries is encouraging, we cannot – and will not – relent from our continued strong enforcement of workplace safety laws.

"As the economy regains strength and more people re-enter the workforce, the Department of Labor will remain vigilant to ensure America s workers are kept safe while they earn a paycheck. After all, as I ve said before, no job is a good job unless it is also safe."