Stats on Sunday -- 4/21/2024

The upcoming week includes the annual observance of Worker Memorial Day, dedicated to remembering those who lost their lives through a work-related event or experienced work-related injuries and illnesses.

The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has a website dedicated to remembering those who lost their lives, and has several events planned for the coming week.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides annual information on workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities through its Occupational Safety and Health Statistics Program. Let's look at the two sources of data.

The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries provides a complete count of fatal work injuries each year. The most recent data, for 2022, identified 5,486 fatal work injuries, including those involving transportation incidents, workplace violence, falls, and more. Details are available about the worker, the incident, and the state.

The Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses provides counts and rates of workplace injuries and illnesses, as defined by recordkeeping rules of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In 2022, private employers reported 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses. Depending upon the severity of each case, information may be available on days away from work or restricted work activity, as well as information about the employee and the incident.

BLS makes available a number of fact sheets that focus on occupational safety and health in specific areas, such as health care workers, confined space incidents, and homicides.

Take a moment this week to remember those who suffered workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. Be safe.