EMPLOYMENT AND LABOR LAW: DOL Reports Decline in Workplace Injuries and Illnesses

October 23, 2011

Washington - The US Department of Labor has noted a decline in the number of nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses among private industries from a rate of 3.6 cases per 100 full-time workers in 2009 to 3.5 case rate in 2010, a statement released in its website said.

 

The agency said more workers are injured in the health care and social assistance industry sector than in any other, including construction and manufacturing, and this group of workers had one of the highest rates of injuries and illness at 5.2 cases for every 100 workers.

The DOL report also noted that illness and injury rates for public sector workers also continue to be alarmingly high at 5.7 cases for every 100 workers, which is more than 60 percent higher than the private sector rate.

The agency therefore urged employers to continue to work with state and local governments to ensure the safety of our their employees.