Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed that recordable workplace injuries and illnesses continued to drop in 2015. This decline continues a downtrend that has been sustained annually for the last 13 years, apart from 2012.
According to the report, private sector employers reported almost 3 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2015, which represents a decline of about 48,000 cases from 2014 in spite of an increase in total hours worked.
Further, the rate of cases per 100 full time workers went down to 3 in 2015 from 3.2 in the previous year. This is the lowest recorded rate since at least 2002, when the Occupational Safety and Health Administration revised its reporting requirements.
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health David Michaels stated, “We are encouraged to see the significant decline in worker injury and illness rates. This is the result of the relentless efforts of employers, unions, worker advocates, occupational safety and health professionals, and federal and state government agencies ensuring that worker safety and health remains a top priority every day.”
“Despite the decline, approximately 2.9 million private sector workers suffered nonfatal injuries and illnesses last year. That is still far too many…we will continue to do all that we can to continue driving the rate down,” Michaels concluded.
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