OSHA: Number of workplace injuries falling

The number of workplace injuries are declining, but that may be because fewer people are working in this economy.

Mark Minicky, compliance assistance specialist with the St. Louis Area Occupational Safety and Health Administration, spoke about workplace injury trends Thursday at Saint Francis Medical Center's annual Business Health Summit.

In 2008, 3.9 of every 100 workers nationwide sustained an OSHA-reportable injury, down from 5 out of every 100 workers in 2003. The incidence of workplace fatalities has also dropped, from 5,214 people in 2008 to 4,340 in 2009.

"This is somewhat reflective of the downturn in the economy. There is less activity going on, particularly less construction," Minicky said.

Incident rates for nonfatal injuries are slightly lower than the national average in Missouri, at 3.6 of every 100 workers.

The number of injuries has declined in nearly every industry sector and has dropped 30 percent in the construction industry, Minicky said.

There is a current statewide emphasis on inspecting the concrete products industry, Minicky said.

"We saw that concrete products had among the highest injury and illness rate. We felt like that was an area where we could make the most impact," he said.

Highway accidents are the most common fatal work-related injuries, Minicky said.

"Preventing this is something our agency is putting a lot of emphasis on," Minicky said.

The second-highest cause of fatalities is falls, followed by workplace homicides and being struck by an object.

Nationwide, 58 percent of OSHA inspections are in the construction industry.

Minicky said 150 compliance officers have been added under OSHA Secretary David Michaels.

During 2010, in the St. Louis area, the most commonly cited OSHA violations related to fall protection ladders and scaffolding; eye, face and head protection; and lack of safety training.

This year the average penalty per serious OSHA violation was about $1,000, but Minicky said OSHA officials are considering increasing penalties, bringing the average up to $3,000 to $4,000 per violation.

"They believe there will be a higher deterrent effect when we start issuing higher penalties," Minicky said.

Another change OSHA will soon make is requiring a new labeling system for chemicals with a system of pictures to assist non-English-speaking workers, Minicky said.

In addition to the OSHA update, other topics discussed during the Business Health Summit included occupational medicine, diabetes in the workplace and workers' compensation.

Bestselling author Jon Gordon, the keynote speaker, talked about building a culture of greatness within an organization or business.

mmiller@semissourian.com

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