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Are work injuries becoming less common?

On Behalf of | Feb 24, 2016 | Firm News, Workplace Injuries

Work injuries take place all the time, and although some types may be in decline, they are still fairly common. If you’re hurt at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation, and that can help you pay your medical bills and even cover some of your lost wages. Are injuries on the decline, though, and should you worry about injuries in the future?

In 2014, there were close to 3 million nonfatal workplace illnesses and injuries reported to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor. That’s a rate of 3.2 cases of injuries per 100 full-time workers in 2014.

In 2014, there was an increase in the number of hours worked in the private industry. What’s interesting is that there were actually 54,000 fewer nonfatal injuries and illnesses during that time, showing that most workplaces were actually getting safer. That is a trend that has been going on for around 12 years.

When people were injured on the job, only around 1.7 out of 100 full-time workers had to take time off, transfer jobs, or work with restrictions. What this means is that even though some people were injured or ill, they were not badly injured or ill enough to take time away from work; the injuries and illnesses were not as severe as in past years.

Out of the close to 3 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses suffered, 95.1 percent were injuries on the job. Most took place in service industries. Interestingly, out of those who suffered illnesses, the number who suffered from skin diseases declined in 2014, showing a lower risk of skin-related conditions in the workplace.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses – 2014,” accessed Feb. 24, 2016

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