Although occupational fatalities across the United States in 2008 were down significantly compared to 2007’s number, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis says even one death is unacceptable.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Thursday that 5,071 workers lost their lives in work-related incidents across the US in 2008, compared to the 5,657 in 2007.

“With every one of these fatalities, the lives of a worker’s family members were shattered and forever changed. We can’t forget that fact,” she says.

While the decrease in worker deaths is a change in the right direction, Solis says, “It does not lessen the need for strong enforcement to ensure that safety is a top priority in every workplace. In fact, today’s (Thursday’s) report prompts us to step up our vigilance, particularly as the economy regains momentum.”

Solis says the Department of Labor will not be satisfied until there are no workplace deaths caused by failure to comply with safety rules.

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