Data from 2017 shows that injuries in the workplace are on a continual decline.
The Department of Labor recently released its Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report highlighting the decline, which in turn highlights the success of the safety initiatives implemented in the workplace.
The decrease was across the board, which included healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, warehousing and construction. The decrease was due to fewer days missed, fewer injuries, and fewer workers’ compensation claims.
All sectors have seen continual improvement in rates of injury over the last 14 years. But one of the sectors with the most significant changes is manufacturing.
Manufacturing as a whole
Manufacturing came in second on the BLS list of injuries reported. The total number of recordable non-fatal illnesses and injuries for 2017 was 426,900.
While there was a decrease in the incidence rate, the total number of days away from work (DAFW) was unchanged from the previous year.
The leading injury type in manufacturing were sprains, strains, and tears. The amount recorded was 34,110, practically the same as last year. The rate equates to 27.5 cases per 10,000 full-time workers. The days away from work was 10, which happened to be one day less than the previous year.
Manufacturing report by injury
Here’s a more detailed look at these injuries for full-time workers. These numbers show that while DAFW as a result of overexertion injuries increased by 3,250, the rate for these injuries was unchanged.
- Overexertion due to lifting or lowering: DAFW cases increased by 3,250 while rate of incidence didn’t change
- Struck by object or equipment: DAFW cases decreased by 4,150 while the rate of incidence also decreased
- Overexertion and bodily reaction: DAFW cases decreased by 1,690 while the rate of incidence also decreased
- Musculoskeletal disorders: DAFW cases decreased by 1,930 while the rate of incidence also decreased.
If you work in construction, you can contribute to this downward trend of injuries by reading our tips on how to reduce workplace injuries.