2006 Nonfatal Workplace Injuries Statistic

Nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses among private industry employers in 2006 occurred at a rate of 4.4 cases per 100 equivalent full-time workers—a decline from 4.6 cases in 2005.  (See table 1 and chart 1.)  Similarly, the number of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses reported in 2006 declined to 4.1 million cases, compared to 4.2 million cases in 2005. 

These findings were reported today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Key findings of the 2006 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII)

• The total recordable case (TRC) injury and illness incidence rate among private industry employers in 2006 was the lowest since the SOII was first conducted in 1972.
• Incidence rates and numbers of cases for injuries and illnesses combined declined significantly in 2006 for most case types, with the exception of cases involving job transfer or restriction only.
• The number and incidence rate of injuries both declined significantly in 2006 compared to 2005—three percent and five percent, respectively.
• The number and incidence rate of illnesses declined significantly in 2006 compared to 2005—mainly the result of declines among hearing loss and all other illness categories.
• Estimates were tabulated for more than 70 additional industries in 2006 for which estimates were not previously available (see table A); industries are classified according to the 2002 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).
• TRC rates declined among 9 of the 19 private industry NAICS sectors in 2006 and remained statistically unchanged in the remaining 10 NAICS sectors.
• The total recordable case injury and illness incidence rate was highest among mid-size establishments (those employing between 50 and 249 workers) and lowest among small establishments (those employing fewer than 11 workers) compared to establishments of other sizes.
• TRC rates in 10 of 43 States (including the District of Columbia) for which SOII estimates are available were lower in 2006 compared to a year earlier; TRC rates in 32 States remained relatively unchanged; and the TRC rate in 1 State was higher in 2006.