Report: Workplace injuries and illnesses continued to decline in 2015
One of the points we strive to emphasize on our blog is that work injuries can happen at any time to any worker in any sector. Of course, our purpose in this is not to cause unnecessary alarm among workers, but rather to help them understand that they don’t have to feel afraid if they are injured on the job, as they are far from alone in this regard and, perhaps more significantly, that workers’ compensation benefits can supply a much-needed financial lifeline in these situations.
In keeping with this idea, consider the recent release of the 2015 Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which provides an in-depth assessment of nonfatal trauma in the private sector over the last 12 months.
According to the BLS report, private industry employers in the U.S. reported 2.9 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2015, which translates into roughly 3.0 cases per 100 full-time workers.
Interestingly enough, these figures continue a downward trend that, with the lone exception of 2012, began 13 years ago. Indeed, this year’s report shows that private employers reported almost 48,000 fewer injuries than 2014.
Some of the other interesting findings of the BLS report include:
- Six of the 19 private industry sectors saw a decrease in injuries and illnesses, including such seemingly high-risk sectors as mining, transportation, manufacturing, and oil and gas extraction
- More than 50 percent of the 2.9 million private industry and illness cases resulted in job transfers, days away from work or other restrictions
- Rates of injuries and illness continued to be lowest among small establishments (those with fewer than 11 employees) and highest among mid-sized establishments (those with 50 to 249 employees)
While it’s certainly encouraging to see that the overall number of injuries and illnesses in the private sector have continued to fall, it’s plain to see that we still have a long way to go before we can truly say that the threat of workplace trauma has been largely neutralized.
As such, if you’ve suffered a serious workplace injury and would like to learn more about your options relating to work comp benefits, or have even seen your claim for these benefits denied, consider speaking with a skilled legal professional as soon as possible.
