Non-Fatal Workplace Injuries, Illnesses Down

Non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in the private sector declined to a record low during 2006, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Published on October 18, 2007

The BLS reported 4.1 million cases of injuries and illnesses in the workplace in 2006, a rate of 4.4 incidents per 100 full-time workers. In 2005, there were 4.6 cases per 100 full-time workers, for a total of 4.2 million incidents.

The 2006 total represents the lowest since the BLS began compiling such data in 1972, the agency said.
The number of illness and injuries reported during any year is influenced by the level of economic activity, work practices and worker experience and training, the BLS said in a statement.

Total case injury and illness incidents were highest at employer sites with 50 to 249 workers and lowest among small employers with fewer than 11 workers.