How Many Workers Get Injured Annually?

Edited By: Cecily Johnson, Legal Secretary

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Many industries are safer than they’ve ever been due to important worker safety laws. However, that does not mean that they are injury-free. So, how many workers still get injured even with our current laws in place? The numbers may surprise you.

The Statistics for 2019

The most recent report to come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on non-fatal work related injuries and illness was published in November of 2020 to report on the 2019 data. According to the report, non-fatal work related injuries and illness in the private industry came in at 2.8 million in 2019. The BLS notes that this is not statistically different from the 2018 data. However, this reporting is a significant decrease from the report just ten years ago. In the BLS report on non-fatal work related injuries and illness for 2009, this number was 3.3 million. Although we will never reach a point where there are strictly no work related injuries or illness, worker safety laws have clearly made a positive impact in preventing these accidents from happening in the first place.

Occupations With the Most Injuries in 2019

Out of these 2.8 million reported non-fatal work related injuries and illness in 2019, about one-third of these accidents occurred in just ten occupations combined:

• Nursing Assistants
• Retail Sales Workers
• Registered Nurses
• Cleaners and Janitors
• Stockers
• Repair and Maintenance Workers
• Construction Workers
• Light Truck Drivers
• Material Movers
• Heavy Truck Drivers

 

Although a workplace injury or illness can occur in any profession, the professions above have statistically suffered most commonly from these accidents in 2019.

Seeking Workers’ Compensation is Your Right

Have you been injured while working in on the job? Although data from the BLS suggests that we have made significant safety improvements in the workplace, workplace injuries are still very common and can be life-changing. Make sure you understand your rights and legal options while seeking proper compensation. If you’re struggling to get what you’re rightfully due, an experienced advocate can be invaluable.

Click here to set up a FREE consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

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References: 

Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2010). Workplace Injuries and Illness – 2009. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/osh_10212010.pdf

Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2020). Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illness – 2019. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/osh.pdf