In the 2008 September issue of Occupational Hazard Magazine there is an article titled “Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Shows a Decline in Worker Deaths”. The article states that The Bureau of Labor Statistics released a report on August 20, 2008 entitled the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries which showed a decline of 6 percent in worker fatalities in 2007. However, the report also disclosed that fatalities from falls have increased since last year. The number of falls in 2007 hit a record high of 835, a 39 percent increase since 1992 when the Census of Fatal Occupational Industries was first conducted. The increase of falls overall was driven by falls on the ground level (up 21 percent from 2006). Falls from roofs were down 13 percent from the number in 2006. These statistics stress the importance of safety measures on the ground level of a corporation or plant.

There is a common misconception that fatalities from falls are mainly at higher elevations. The study shows that the opposite is true; falls at a ground level are at an all time high. A major cause of ground level falls can be due to slippery substances covering work areas. By implementing slip resistant products such as non-slip plate fatal falls can be prevented. It’s up to owners and managers to keep employees safe by taking the right precautions. The price of flooring is small compared to a workers life.

Smith, Sandy. “Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Shows a Decline in Worker Deaths.” Editorial._Occupational Hazards_Sep 2008: 10.