The report indicates that there was a 24% increase in the number of incidents in 2000, with more than 87% of them directly attributable to human error. For the third year in a row, operator error or poor maintenance was the leading cause of boiler accidents.

However, there was an 80% decrease in the number of injuries. For every 99 incidents in 2000, there was one injury — the safest period on record. This compares with one injury for every 16 incidents in 1999, the most dangerous period on record.

In addition, last year saw a 33% decrease in the number of fatalities.

Publication date: 08/20/2001