BLS: Nonfatal injuries, illnesses resume downward trend

Washington – The rate of nonfatal worker injuries and illnesses declined in 2012 from the previous year, resuming a recent downward trend, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2012 survey of occupational injuries and illnesses, released Nov. 7.

In 2012, 3.4 nonfatal injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time workers occurred, down from 3.5 in 2011. The 2011 figure was the same as 2010, representing the only time in a decade the rate did not decline.

Other notable findings from the 2012 data include:

• Injury and illness rates did not increase in 2012 for any private-industry sector.
• The injury-only case rate declined to 3.2 in 2012 from 3.3 in 2011, but the illness rate remained statistically unchanged.
• The injury and illness rate for state and local government workers was 5.6 per 100 full-time workers.

The BLS report is based on surveys sent to employers, and is the second of three reports scheduled for release this year. The third report is expected later this year and will provide additional details on nonfatal injury and illness cases requiring at least one day away from work.