Workplace injuries, illnesses fell in 2005: BLS

WASHINGTON--Workplace injuries and illnesses declined in 2005, the third consecutive year of decreases, according to a new Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics report.

Injuries and illnesses declined to 4.6 per 100 workers in 2005, down from 4.8 cases the prior year, according to the report, released Thursday. In all, there were 4.2 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses in private industry workplaces in 2005.

About 2.2 million of those injuries and illnesses resulted in time away from work or duty modifications, the report said. The 2005 incidence rate for cases requiring days away from work, a job transfer or work restrictions totaled 2.4 per 100 workers, representing a decrease of 0.1 case per 100 workers from the prior year.

More information is available at www.bls.gov/iif/home.htm.