Kentucky
Businesses Set Record Low Workplace Injury Rate
2016 Also Marks Decrease in Occupational
Fatalities
Frankfort,
Ky. (December 22, 2017) – Officials from the Kentucky
Labor Cabinet today hailed recent reports by the federal government that show
continued improvement in workplace safety in Kentucky, including the lowest
rate of nonfatal incidents recorded in the Commonwealth’s history.
According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics (BLS), Kentucky’s rate of recordable nonfatal occupational
injuries and illnesses dropped to 3.4 per 100 full-time employees in 2016 –
down from a rate of 3.7 in 2015. This marks the lowest rate since the federal
government began collecting this data in 1996, when Kentucky reported an
incident of 8.4
In addition, according to BLS data, there were 92 work-related
fatalities in Kentucky in 2016, down from the 99 fatalities in 2015. Work
injuries involving transportation and material moving occupations accounted for
the highest amount of fatalities in both 2015 and 2016.
“I am extremely proud that Kentucky has once again set
a historic milestone in workplace safety,” said Labor Secretary Derrick Ramsey.
“This achievement has only been possible by employers and employees who have
embraced a culture of safety in their workplace. They deserve to be congratulated
for their commitment, and these reports clearly show that Kentucky is moving in
the right direction, but there is still much work to be done. Our mission at
the Labor Cabinet is to prevent injuries from occurring in the first place by
educating employers and employees about workplace safety so that the 1.9
million men and women working in Kentucky return home each day safe and sound.
We will not rest until Kentucky is the safest place to work and live in the country.”
According to the BLS report, approximately 2.9
million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported nationally by
private industry employers in 2016 – resulting in 48,500 fewer injuries from
the prior year. This produced a national injury and illness rate of 2.9.
Kentucky Safe - the Labor Cabinet’s Division of
Occupational Safety & Health Education & Training - leads the Cabinet’s
proactive efforts to create safe and healthful workplace conditions. This
includes providing no-cost consultative services to employers across Kentucky
on ways to improve safety conditions in the workplace. Services include free
on-site consultations as well as compliance assistance, educational materials,
and class-style and online training for all employers.
Last year, the Division conducted 272 consultative
surveys identifying and ensuring the abatement of 2,067 serious hazards. Also,
142 training courses were conducted, reaching approximately 4,300 attendees in
response to training requests from employers.
Employers who wish to learn more about the consolation
and educational services provided by KYSAFE can visit the website here.
Separate and apart from these training and education
programs, the OSH Division of Compliance is responsible for the enforcement of
safety and health standards. Compliance officers inspect workplaces for
hazardous conditions and issue citations where violations of standards are
found. Inspections may be the result of regular scheduling, imminent danger
reports, fatalities, and worker complaints or referrals. Overall, both the
education and enforcement responsibilities of the Cabinet comprise a
comprehensive goal to "Plan, Prevent and Protect” Kentucky’s workforce.
Follow
the Kentucky Labor Cabinet on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates.
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