Work accidents, disease claim 2.2 million

UNITED NATIONS, Sep 18, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- More than 2 million people worldwide die of work-related accidents and occupational diseases each year, the U.N. said in a new report.

The International Labor Office report, "Decent Work -- Safe Work," said the number of work-related illnesses and deaths has lessened somewhat in the industrialized countries. But the number of accidents -- especially fatal accidents -- appears to be increasing, particularly in some Asian countries, due to rapid development and the strong competitive pressures of globalization.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks work-related accidents and reported 5,915 work injury deaths -- including homicides and suicides in 2001 -- for a comparable time period to the ILO report.

"Injury prevention is no longer a luxury for the developed world," said Alan C. McMillan, president of the National Safety Council. "As populations grow and economies develop, millions throughout the world are taking on new jobs and new risks like never before. Safety and health cannot remain on the backburner as an option in doing business."