IN Occupational Injuries And Illnesses At Record Low For 2008

Indianapolis, IN (CompNewsNetwork) - Indiana’s non-fatal occupational injury and illness rate finally broke through that 5.0 floor, coming in at a historic low of 4.9 per 100 workers, according to the report of the Indiana Department of Labor (IDOL) released today. Based upon the survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) administered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Indiana rate for 2008 has surpassed even the 2007 rate of 5.2. A separate report of Indiana work-related fatalities for 2008 was released in August 2009. The fatality report was the second lowest on record for the state.

Commissioner of Labor Lori A. Torres commented, “The 2008 Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses findings are encouraging news for all Hoosier workers, organized labor and the business community. I am especially enthusiastic about the progress made by the construction industry, as that industry had not seen a reduction in worker injury and illness rates for the past three years.”

Here are some highlights:

• The number of recorded injuries and illnesses in 2008 was 112,100. Of these 25,200 (22%) were severe enough to result in time away from work.

• The rate of injuries and illness for Indiana industries has also declined from 5.2 in 2007 to 4.9 in 2008.

Download the attachment for more information.