So the U.S. Bureau of Labor released 2011 Statistics’ on workplace deaths. Turns out just over 4,600 American workers died from work-related injuries last year. Yes, this does indicate a slight decline from the previous year when more than 4,690 Americans died on the job, but in both cases that represents about 13 workplace deaths a day – and that’s too many.

In light of this, as reported over at EHS Today, the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSE) is asking one key question: “Where is the concern?”

ASSE President, Richard A. Pollock (pictured, noted that the 2011 rate of workplace fatalities, in spite of a marginal decline over 2010 numbers, “alarming” and “unacceptable.”

He emphasized three key things:

• Businesses need effective management systems to proactively identify any health and safety issues before they lead to injuries and fatalities. 
• Health and safety issues are not solely associated with dangerous industries