Nearly 3 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported by private industry employers in 2014, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Report.
Private industry employers reported nearly 54,000 fewer nonfatal injury and illness cases in 2014 compared to 2013, following a pattern of decline that with the exception of 2012, has occurred annually for the last 12 years. Over half of the nearly 3 million private industry cases involved days away from work, job transfer, or restriction.
"Workplace injuries and illnesses have a devastating effect on workers, their families, and the businesses where they occur," said OSHA Secretary of Labor Dr. David Michaels. "These injuries and illnesses contribute to the pressing issue of income inequality: they force working families out of the middle class and into poverty, and keep the families of lower-wage workers from entering the middle class and achieving the American Dream."
"Workplace injuries and illnesses have a devastating effect on workers, their families, and the businesses where they occur."
The report is the second in a series of three releases from BLS covering occupational safety and health statistics for 2014. A third release in November will provide case circumstances and worker characteristics for nonfatal injury and illness cases requiring at least one day away from work to recuperate.
"Everyone benefits when there are fewer injuries and illnesses," Michaels said. "OSHA is committed to continue increased efforts to ensure every employer is fulfilling its responsibility to protect the safety and health of its workers."
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