OSHA reduced deaths in the workplace by what percent?

Answer 1

To accurately answer this, we need a time frame for comparison.

Is it over the past 10 years, since the formation of OSHA or pre-OSHA compared to now.

Answer 2

First off OSHA doesn't reduce injuries, that is incumbent upon employers. Employers using a proactive EH&S department with top driven policies for safety and health consistently drive down injury rates and hence fatalities. The area that is highest for fatalities is in transportation.
OSHA can assist by performing compliance visits based on a call or some type of complaint by someone of a work place hazard. Employers can also use the Consultant branch of OSHA to assist when they have an issue. Consulting cannot issue a citiation UNLESS they see some specific hazards.
I am a Gloabl EH&S manager and very aware of OSHA.

One more thing, under Bush OSHA has reduced fines and penalties, and inspections.
OSHA also tabeled a very good ergonomic standard.
Money seems to come first in his administration over the employers "General duty to provide a safe and healthful workplace".

Answer 3

Since 1973 (the first year employers had to record accident statistics) and 2005 (the last year statistics are currently available) the rate of workplace fatalities has dropped by 58%.

However, while OSHA claims credit for that decrease it is probably linked to two other factors. Since the 1970s the economy has been more service oriented, with more people flipping burgers than mining coal. This means more people working less dangerous jobs.

The other contributing factor is that since the 1950's most factories began focusing on safety since that was one of the issues used by unions to get into factories. Safety was being used as a union busting tool since employees who saw a safety program in place would be less likely to join the union. many feel that OSHA was designed to scuttle unions.

Answer 4

Who knows? "Statistics" are available to tell you anything that you want to hear. As for OSHA, much of their work is done after the fact, investigating deaths and injuries. What HAS resulted from the work of OSHA and EPA alike is that American industries like foundries, refineries, automakers and chemical plants have had to shut down or relocate out of the country. Interesting example is all the older mechanical punch presses and metal shears that OSHA required to be upgraded or replaced to prevent hand injuries. Workers wouldn't use the added safety devices like automatic hand pull-back devices, any more than they would wear seat belts in their cars, and injuries continued despite OSHA, so American companies sold off the old machines and couldn't afford to buy new ones. Where did the old machines go? Mexico. The jobs went too.

Answer 5

From 1970 to 1995, the overall workplace death rate has been cut in half

Answer 6

Look here: