제  목 : WORKPLACES RISK REMAINS STABLE DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
  일  자 : 1998년 09월
  제공처 : Internet

            WORKPLACES RISK REMAINS STABLE DURING
          LAST FIVE YEARS DESPITE EXPANDING ECONOMY
     Motor vehicle crashes leading on-the-job risk, fatalities increase

  ITASCA, Ill. -- Despite the booming economy, workplace injuries and deaths
  have remained stable during the last five years, according to an analysis of
  occupational safety by the National Safety Council.

 The Council estimates that on-the-job injuries cost society $127.7 billion
 last year. This includes wages, productivity lost by injured workers,
 administrative expenses, health care and other costs.

 "As we observe the labor day holiday, the National Safety Council reminds
 America that men and women are injured or killed needlessly every day in our
 workplaces," said Jerry Scannell, the Council's president. "Labor Day is
 tribute to workers in America. But businesses can honor their employees every
 day by committing to make workplaces safer."

 "Though fatalities and injuries have not increased during this economic
 expansion, we could make much more progress reducing risk on-the-job, but too
 often we do not commit the energy and resources to make that progress,"
 Scannell continued.

 The analysis of the statistics compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
 reveals some important workplace safety trends in the United States:

    ㅇ The worker of the ？90's and the next century faces their greatest risk
      while driving on-the-job. Motor vehicle fatalities have increased 19.8 %
      since 1992 and are the leading cause of occupational death and injury.
      Deaths and injuries to women have increased along with an increase in
      fatalities to workers 45 and older.

    ㅇ Nonfatal injuries decreased by a half million, to 6.2 million in 1996
      from 6.8 million in 1992.
      The construction industry had the greatest increase in deaths in the
      period, most likely as a result of increased economic growth.

 The National Safety Council urges every employer to integrate safety and
 health management in their business operations and to work with employees to
 ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

 The National Safety Council is a nonprofit, membership organization dedicated
 to reducing unintentional deaths and injuries.