The OSHA has sent letters to 13,000 workplaces with the highest occupational injury and illness rates, urging that they take action to remove hazards causing the high rates.

The OSHA has sent letters to 13,000 workplaces with the highest occupational injury and illness rates, urging that they take action to remove hazards causing the high rates.

The workplaces notified are those covered by the OSHA that reported the highest "days away from work, restricted work or job transfer injury and illness," or DART rate in a 2002 survey. For every 100 full-time workers at those companies contacted, employers reported seven or more injuries or illnesses, compared with the national average of 2.8 among full-time workers.

The letter encourages employers to hire an outside safety and health consultant, talk with their insurance carrier or contact the workers' compensation agency in their state for advice. See www.osha.gov/as/opa/foia/hot_10.html.