ABSTRACT
During the last few decades, there has been a tremendous growth in our understanding of the causes of
occupational injuries and illnesses, resulting in a significant decline in fatal and severe injuries experi-
enced by workers. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recognized the importance
of these improvements in occupational safety and health by designating “safer workplaces” as one of the
ten great public health achievements of the 20th century.1
