Focus

Since 1992, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has conducted a census of fatal occupational injuries. The 2004 census was completed this past August and reveals some interesting findings.

According to the census, more fatalities occurred in 2004 than 2003 but the 2004 rate of 4.1 fatalities per 100,000 workers is the third lowest rate recorded since 1992. Despite the relatively low numbers, employers and employees have some reason for concern.

Troubling findings

The 2004 BLS census showed fatalities for Spanish-speaking workers increased 11 percent after declining the previous two years. And fatalities for workers older than 55 years of age increased 10 percent in 2004. (It is important to note BLS does not correlate the fatalities to rising numbers of Spanish-speaking workers or those older than 55. The increases could be a result of more of these workers in the work force, for example.)

In addition, fatal falls reached a new high, accounting for 17 percent of all work-related fatalities in 2004. Fatal falls in 2004 mostly were from workers falling from roofs and ladders. There was a 39 percent increase in the number of workers fatally injured as a result of falling from a roof. In 2003, 128 fatalities were attributed to falls from roofs; in 2004, there were 178. These numbers represent the construction industry at large, not only the roofing industry.

What to do

Although the BLS' findings would be more useful if they were more detailed, they still underscore the need for constant diligence for worker safety. This month, we offer several articles addressing safety in the workplace: "Live to tell," page 22, relates real-world safety challenges faced by contractors; "Coming clean," page 25, explains new advances in drug and alcohol testing; and our monthly Safe Solutions column on page 18 discusses the advantages of teaching torch safety.

It's also a good idea to remember to conduct regular toolbox talks with workers regarding job-site safety—and perhaps using the findings from the BLS census will help clarify its importance.

To access the census, go to www.bls.gov.

Ambika Puniani Bailey is editor of Professional Roofing magazine and NRCA's director of communications.