New data show rate of most serious work injuries unchanged; overall rate drops slightly

The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses*, released Oct. 29, shows that private industry employers reported nearly 3 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2014. While the incidence rate of total recordable cases fell slightly, the rates for cases involving days away from work and for cases of job transfer or restriction were unchanged. After reviewing the report, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels issued a statement on the need to better protect workers:

"Today's Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows that too many workers are still being injured or sickened on the job. Workplace injuries and illnesses have a devastating effect on workers, their families, and the businesses where they occur. 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."

 This information is provided by: OSHA.