BLS: Nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses decrease in 2023

Washington — Workers in private industry experienced fewer injuries and illnesses on the job last year than in 2022, according to Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data released Nov. 8 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The number of reported workplace injuries and illnesses in the U.S. private sector totaled an estimated 2.6 million in 2023. That’s down from about 2.8 million (8.4%) the year before.

The rate of nonfatal injuries also fell, to 2.2 per 100 full-time equivalent workers from 2.3 in 2022.

Overall, the agency observed a 56.6% decrease in illnesses, as the number of cases reported (200,100) reached its lowest level since 2019. One driving force: a 72.6% drop in respiratory illnesses, to 100,200.

Also down: the number of nonfatal injuries and illnesses that resulted in days away from work. The estimated total of 946,500 is a 20.1% decrease from 2022.

Other 2023 data highlights:

• The total recordable rate decreased in numerous industries, including transportation and warehousing (4.5 per 100 FTE workers), health care and social assistance (3.6), retail trade (3.1), manufacturing (2.8), construction (2.3), and administrative and support and waste management and remediation services (1.8).
• The total recordable rate in agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (4.2) and utilities (1.8) both increased slightly, by 0.1 per 100 FTE workers.
• Injuries in food and beverage stores increased to 78,200, a 6.5% climb from the previous year.

The BLS release is the first of two annual reports from the agency. The second, set to be released Dec. 19, will focus on worker fatalities.