Washington, D.C. , November 13, 2007
Workplace injuries and illnesses continue to decline - read the study’s conclusions
The rate of workplace injuries and illnesses in private industry declined in 2006 for the fourth consecutive year, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported. Nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported by private industry employers declined from 4.6 cases per 100 workers in 2005 to 4.4 cases in 2006.
"Workplace injuries and illnesses declined three percent in 2006 over the previous year against the backdrop that overall hours worked increased (two percent)," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "The Department of Labor continues to focus on ensuring that workplace injury and illnesses rates continue to decline and that workers are healthy and safe on the job."
Among the goods-producing sector of private industry, manufacturing experienced especially significant lower rates of illnesses last year – dropping from 66.1 in 2005 to 57.7 per 10,000 workers in 2006.
The study concluded that:
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The total recordable case (TRC) injury and illness incidence rate among private industry employers in 2006 was the lowest since the SOII was first conducted in 1972.
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Incidence rates and numbers of cases for injuries and illnesses combined declined significantly in 2006 for most case types, with the exception of cases involving job transfer or restriction only.
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The number and incidence rate of injuries both declined significantly in 2006 compared to 2005—three percent and five percent, respectively.
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The number and incidence rate of illnesses declined significantly in 2006 compared to 2005—mainly the result of declines among hearing loss and all other illness categories.
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The total recordable case injury and illness incidence rate was highest among mid-size establishments (those employing between 50 and 249 workers) and lowest among small establishments (those employing fewer than 11 workers) compared to establishments of other sizes.
Managing director, DuPont Safety Resources, Rand Mendez said, “The results are encouraging, as 2006 is the fourth year of overall improvement. As a result of these improvements and the overall growing commitment to workplace safety, corporations and organizations will be expected to rise to higher standards of safety performance each year. DuPont believes that all accidents are preventable and continues its mission to help others achieve a goal of zero incidents and injuries.”
