There’s good news coming from the bad economy. Not only have gas prices dropped, due to lack of demand over the last year — I know, I know, they’re going up again — but the number and rate of fatalities in the workplace have also decreased, and the slowed economy is getting some credit for it.

A total of 5,071 fatal work injuries were recorded in the United States in 2008, down from 5,657 in 2007. Though preliminary, the figure represents the smallest annual preliminary total since the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) program was first conducted in 1992, despite an improved method for measuring the fatalities. In June of 2009, the BLS introduced improved fatality rates for the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI).

The new rates, based on hours worked as opposed to employment, are considered to be more accurate in measuring the risk of dying from an injury on the job. Final results for 2008 will be released in April 2010.

The rate of fatal injury for U.S. workers in 2008 was 3.6 fatal work injuries per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers, down from the final rate of 4.0 in 2007.

“Economic factors likely played a role in the fatality decrease,” said the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). “Average hours worked at the national level fell by 1 percent in 2008, and some industries that have historically accounted for a significant share of worker fatalities, such as construction, experienced larger declines in employment or hours worked.”

The report also noted that economic conditions may have affected government agencies that provide data to BLS, which may have delayed receipt of all information.

“While the decrease in the number of fatal work injuries represents change in the right direction, it does not lessen the need for strong enforcement to ensure that safety is a top priority in every workplace. In fact, today’s report prompts us to step up our vigilance, particularly as the economy regains momentum,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

While the number of fatal work injuries among White, non-Hispanic workers fell 8 percent in 2008, greater declines were observed among non-Hispanic Black or African American workers (down 16 percent) and Hispanic or Latino workers (down 17 percent).

Of concern, though, is the fact that workplace suicides were up 28 percent to a high of 251 cases in 2008, though workplace homicides declined 18 percent in 2008. The number and rate of fatal work injuries among 16 to 17 year-old workers were higher in 2008.

In light of these figures for 2008, American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) President C. Christopher Patton, CSP, offered his condolences to the families, friends and co-workers of the 5,071 people who died on the job. Patton also urged businesses, despite the economic downturn, to continue to invest in workplace safety programs now to reduce the number of these tragic losses.

“Many already know that it is good business to protect people in the workplace,” Patton noted. Preventing work-related injuries and illnesses cost far less than correcting them. A sound safety and health management process can help companies protect people, maintain compliance and contribute positively to a businesses’ bottom line,” Patton said. “This can result in a safer workplace for all.” Thanks and good luck.