According to a report released by the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number and rate of non-fatal illnesses and injuries sustained on the job and requiring time away from work decreased from 2006 to 2007. Overall, the number of cases declined 2 percent for all injures. The report also states that sprains and strains were the most common type of workplace injuries and illnesses. The number of sprain and strain cases decreased 5 percent in 2007 as compared to 2006.
However, the median number of days away from work as the result of an injury has not changed since 2004. That number remains steady at 7 days, although it varies according to industry. Those in the goods-producing industry reported a median of 9 days. Transportation and warehousing had a median of 14 days, and the mining sector had the highest median days away from work at 27. Over a quarter of all days-away-from work cases resulted in 31 or more days away from work.
Workers age 65 or older tend to experience longer work absences as the result of an injury. Since men tend to work in jobs and industries with a higher risk of injury, they reported a 22 percent higher rate of injury than women. Men had an incidence of 134 per 10,000 workers as compared to 105 per 10,000 workers in women.
Non-fatal work injuries/illnesses drop in U.S. industry, ReliablePlant.com
If you have been injured on the job, then contact a Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss your legal options.