We are continuing to explore opportunities to work cooperatively with employers to reduce injuries and illnesses in the workplace. Our premier partnership, the Voluntary Protection Program keeps paying big dividends. In addition, we're trying vertical partnerships, like the one we have with ConAgra Refrigerated Foods-establishing effective safety and health programs in every plant they own. This spring we began a new approach to construction safety in Florida. Throughout the U.S., construction injuries have fallen, but fatalities have actually increased.
More construction workers die on the job than workers in any other field.
Only 6 percent of Americans work in construction, but 18 percent of American workers who lose their lives in the workplace die on construction sites. The problem is particularly serious in Florida where fatalities have increased nearly 25 percent over the past three years. Half of work-related deaths in Florida in 1998 occurred in construction. In an effort to stem this tide, OSHA offices in Florida have joined together to introduce C.A.R.E. C.A.R.E. stands for Construction Accident Reduction Emphasis. Other organizations are serving as mentors and models.