BLS reports decline in workplace injuries and illnesses continued last year

The Bureau of Labor Statistics published their annual report on workplace injuries and illnesses Dec. 4, which stated that three million workers sustained nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2013.

Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health, issued a statement on the report. "We are encouraged that the rates continue to decline over the past few years, even during this period of healthy economic growth when we would expect the rate of injuries to rise. The decrease in the injury rate is a product of tireless work by those employers, unions, worker advocates and occupational safety and health professionals all coupled with the efforts of federal and state government organizations that make worker safety and health a high priority each and every day."

"We cannot ignore those three million workers. The severity of their injuries and illnesses varies widely; some are amputees, some suffer back injuries, while others have to struggle for each breath. Work injuries can instantly pull the rug out from a family striving for a good middle-class life," Michaels said.