The national annual report on workplace deaths came out this week and it was reported as good news: 4,340 workers died on the job in the U.S. in 2009.

It's true that this number showed a 17 percent decrease in reported workplace deaths from 2008. So, in a sense, the news was good. But really? More than 4,000 people died at work in the United States last year? That's 4,340 tragedies. We can do better.

So, take a minute today to read the report and think for a minute: Could any have occurred in my workplace? What could I do to prevent it?

There's no good number when it comes to workplace deaths. But one thing is clear: Fewer than 4,340 is better.