WASHINGTON – The rate of U.S. employees’ lost time from work due to nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses decreased 6% in 2006 compared to 2005, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. The overall number of injuries and illnesses tied to the workplace was down 4% in 2006, according to the BLS.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao said, “The U.S. Department of Labor’s programs to keep America’s working men and women safe and healthy are achieving the desired results – more men and women are going home safe and whole at the end of the workday. However, we will not rest on this positive news; we will continue to work to ensure the safety and health of the nation’s employees through compliance assistance; partnerships and cooperative programs; and strong, fair and effective enforcement.”