BLS: Worker injury rate falls again in 2014

Washington – The national injury and illness rate for workers in private industry decreased in 2014, continuing more than a decade-long trend, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released Oct. 29.

In 2014, 3.2 recordable cases occurred per 100 full-time workers in the private industry, compared with 3.3 the year before. This rate has fallen every year for the past 12 years – except in 2012, in which the rate stayed the same as the previous year. However, only the retail trade, health care and social assistance, and accommodation and food services sectors experienced a decline in injury and illness rates in 2014.

Among public-sector workers, the rate fell to 5.0 in 2014 from 5.2 in 2013. About 80 percent of all public-sector injuries occur among local government workers, who experienced an injury rate of 5.4.

This data release is the second of three annual reports from BLS. The next report, expected in November, will provide details on the circumstances and characteristics related to nonfatal injury and illness cases that required at least one day away from work. Last month, BLS released preliminary data on fatal injuries and illnesses that showed the number of worker deaths has increased – particularly among older employees. A final report is due in the spring.

The BLS injury and illness data contains estimates based on surveys completed by employers.