A comparison of the 2001 report with the year 2000 report indicates a 211% increase in the total number of injuries suffered, climbing from 27 in 2000 to 84 in 2001. More than 90% of 2001’s reported injuries were directly attributable to human error (i.e., operator error or poor maintenance, low-water condition, improper repair, improper installation, and faulty design or fabrication).

The National Board also reports a 17% decrease in the total number of boiler and pressure vessel incidents, with 2,219 in 2001 compared to 2,686 in the year 2000. Human error proved to be a factor in 86% of the incidents reported for 2001. There was also a decrease in the number of fatalities, with 14 deaths in 2000 compared to 12 deaths in 2001.

Finally, in 2001, the National Board says there was one injury for every 26 incidents — the third most dangerous period on record. This compares with one injury for every 99 incidents in the year 2000 — the safest period on record.

For more safety statistics, go to www.nationalboard.org (website).

Publication date: 04/25/2002