Other OSHA standards were created to reduce injuries in high-hazard work environments. In manufacturing, for example, the United Auto Workers union reports a substantial decline since 1989 in the number of fatalities caused by failure to lock out machines during maintenance work. Recordable non-fatal injuries in the private sector declined from 6.8 million in 1992 to 6.24 million in 1996, even as employment rose 9 percent. The all-industry death rate from work incidents declined from 43 per 100,000 workers in 1937 to 8 in 1991, according to National Safety Council estimates. A new reporting system in 1992 makes it difficult to make more recent comparisons.
More employers see the value of safety and health programs.
Although we have come a long way, serious challenges remain. Ill. James died from a job-related injury in October 1997. He was struck from above by a falling section of pipe as he pushed a materials cart. The electrical and pneumatic energy hadn't been turned off. Safety Takes a Back Seat Safety has taken a back seat in some companies, as employers see OSHA as less of a threat.