Workplace injuries decline

The number of reported workplace injuries and illnesses in the private sector declined by 2.5 percent in 2004, according to recently released statistics from the Bureau of Labor.

A total of 4.3 million injuries and illnesses were reported, down from 4.4 million in 2003. They occurred at a rate of 4.8 cases per 100 full-time workers, a decline from 5.0 in 2003.

Half of the injuries and illnesses required days away from work, transfer to another job, restricted duties or a combination of these actions.

Thirty-two percent of the four million injuries occurred in the goods-producing industries (agriculture, mining, construction and manufacturing), with 68% in service (wholesale, retail, utilities, transportation and warehousing).

The manufacturing sector is the most dangerous, with 20% of the injuries and less than 14% of the work force. Incidents in construction declined in 2004, but were still among the highest, with 6.4 cases per 100 workers, down from 6.8 in 2003. Utilities featured the highest rise to 5.2 injuries per 100, from 4.4. The rise is attributed to the danger of natural gas distribution.