Dicing with death

THE National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) statisticsshow that the manufacturing industry consistently recorded the highestnumber of work-related accidents over the years from 2000 up to 2004.  

In 2004, the number of accidents reported in this sector was 26,690, of which4,140 caused impairment and permanent disability, and 195 deaths.  

The leastnumber of accidents occurred in the financial and insurance sector, wherethere were 605 accidents reported in 2004, causing impairment and disabilityto 123 workers and five fatalities. 

Thankfully, the numbers are showing a progressive decline from the years2000 to 2004, a fact that could be due to the commitment by the authorities,the employers, and the employees themselves in inculcating health andsafety measures in the work place.  

Certainly, for the prison warder and theelectrical maintenance worker featured in Sunday Star’s “Dangerous Jobs”this week, survival depends on adhering strictly to the rules on occupationalsafety 

In 2004, the number of accidents reported in this sector was 26,690, of which4,140 caused impairment and permanent disability, and 195 deaths.