2021 Update – Non-Fatal Workplace Injury Statistics

Each year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and other federal agencies publish the latest workplace injury statistics.

No matter what you do for a living or where you work in the U.S., there is always a chance that you will get injured on the job. Workers in all types of occupations get injured or sick each year. Many suffer life-altering, even life-threatening injuries due to situations and factors that are beyond their control.

Each year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), OSHA, and other federal agencies publish the latest workplace injury statistics. It is important to be aware of these statistics. Not only can it help you possibly prevent certain types of injuries, but it can help you understand your rights if you do get injured.

BLS 2020 Workplace Injury Statistics

On November 2, 2020, the BLS published the Employer-Related Workplace Injuries and Illnesses News Release. According to the report, the total number of injuries per 100 full-time workers remains unchanged at 2.8. Work injuries and illnesses resulting in workdays missed remained unchanged at 0.9 per 100 full-time workers. Work injuries and illnesses resulting in job restrictions or transfers remained unchanged as well at 0.7 per 100 full-time employees.

Jobs with the Most Job-Related Injuries and Illnesses

The report indicated that the following occupations had the highest incident rates per 10,000 full-time equivalent workers. The incidence rates for all 10 jobs were higher in 2019 than in 2018, even though the overall incident rate remained the same.

The jobs with the highest incidence rates in 2019 were: (these numbers are approximated per 10,000 full-time workers)

• Nursing assistants – 370 incidents
• Heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers – 360 incidents
• Laborers and stock, freight, and material movers – 350 incidents
• Light truck drivers – 340 incidents
• Construction laborers – 250 incidents
• Maintenance and repair workers – 210 incidents
• Order fillers and stockers – 150 incidents
• Cleaners and janitors – 120 incidents
• Registered nurses – 105 incidents
• Retail Salespersons – 60 incidents

Most Common Causes of Non-Fatal Workplace Injuries

The BLS data breakdown showed the most common causes of non-fatal workplace injuries and placed them into five categories. The most common causes, from most common to least, include:

• Overexertion and bodily reaction – 33 incidents
• Slips, falls, and trips – 27 incidents
• Contact with equipment or objects – 24 incidents
• Violence or other injuries caused by animals or persons – 8 incidents
• Transportation accidents – 7 incidents

Most Common Non-Fatal Workplace Injuries

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics broke down the most common workplace injuries into five categories. From most to least, these include:

• Strains, sprains, and tears – 35 incidents
• Pain or soreness – 18 incidents
• Cuts, punctures, and lacerations – 9 incidents
• Bruises and contusions – 9 incidents
• Fractures – 8 incidents

Have You Been Injured at Work?

Each year millions of Americans are injured while performing their jobs. If you or a loved one suffered workplace injuries, you should be receiving compensation for all of your injuries and damages. Contact us today to get a free work injury claim consultation.