Occupational injury, illness rate declined in 2005

WASHINGTON--The rate of nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in private industry that required recuperation away from work declined 4% in 2005, according to the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The decline came as the number of hours worked during the year increased 2% while the number of injuries remained unchanged from 2004, the bureau reported. In all, 1.2 million injuries and illnesses required days away from work during 2005.

The median number of days away from work--a key measure of the severity of the injury or illness--was seven days for all cases in 2005. In 2005, there were 135.7 injuries and illnesses per 10,000 full-time equivalent workers in private industry.

The bureau's report, which provides additional information on specific industries and the demographic makeup of injured workers, is available at www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/osh2.pdf.