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Osha Injury Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: Osha Injury Statistics

  • In 2019, there were 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses recorded in the U.S., unchanged from the previous year.
  • Manufacturing had the highest proportion of workers with days away from work due to nonfatal injuries and illnesses in 2018.
  • In 2017, the incidence rate of occupational injuries and illnesses was 3.1 cases per 100 full-time workers.
  • The private industry sector reported nearly 2.8 million nonfatal work-related injuries and illnesses in 2018.
  • Nearly one-third of nonfatal occupational injuries or illnesses that required days away from work in 2018 were severe, requiring 8 or more days to recuperate.
  • In 2019, 5,333 workers died on the job, an average of more than 100 a week or more than 15 deaths every day.
  • Falls, slips, and trips resulted in 27% of fatal occupational injuries in 2018.
  • In 2019, the construction industry experienced 1,061 fatal workplace injuries, the highest total since 2007.
  • Roughly 20% of worker fatalities in private industry in 2019 were in construction.
  • The 'Fatal Four' (Falls, Struck by Object, Electrocution, Caught-in/between) were responsible for more than half (58.6%) of construction worker deaths in 2018.
  • In 2018, nonfatal injury and illness cases with days away from work, job restrictions, or transfers decreased to 1.1 million cases.
  • Over 50% of injuries and illnesses reported in 2018 involved days away from work, job transfer, or restriction.
  • In 2018, work injuries involved 1,190,100 days-away-from-work cases, a number essentially unchanged from 2017.
  • In 2019, the median number of days away from work due to injury or illness was 8.
  • Musculoskeletal disorders, such as sprains or strains resulting from overexertion in lifting, accounted for 31 percent of all worker injury and illness cases in 2019.
  • In 2019, 888,220 private industry injury and illness cases occurred in workplaces employing 1,000 or more workers.
  • The incidence rate of work-related injuries and illnesses in health care and social assistance was 3.4 per 100 workers in 2018.
  • In 2018, the incidence rate of occupational injury and illnesses in private industry was 2.8 cases per 100 full-time workers.
  • Transportation and warehousing reported 197,530 nonfatal injuries and illnesses in 2017 at a rate of 4.6 cases per 100 full-time workers.
  • Firefighters suffered 32,505 injuries in 2020, 74% of which occurred during fireground operations according to OSHA.

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Safety in the workplace is paramount for any successful business. As such, understanding OSHA injury statistics is crucial for both employers and employees. This blog post dives deep into the world of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) injury statistics, shining light on the reality of the risks faced in various industries. We’ll explore not only the overall numbers, but the specific types of injuries most commonly experienced, the industries most affected and, crucially, what these statistics tell us about the steps we can take to make our workplaces safer.

The Latest Osha Injury Statistics Unveiled

In 2019, there were 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses recorded in the U.S., unchanged from the previous year.

Spotlighting the strikingly persistent number of nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported in the U.S. in 2019 offers a poignant observation into the enduring challenge that exists in managing workplace safety. Even as measures for safety continue to evolve, these statistics from 2019 underscore the tangible need for continual vigilance, ongoing adaptation of regulations, and proactive initiatives from organizations like OSHA. The unchanged number from the previous year suggests persistent areas of risk within workplaces, amplifying the pertinence of OSHA injury statistics in motivating change and fostering a safe working environment.

Manufacturing had the highest proportion of workers with days away from work due to nonfatal injuries and illnesses in 2018.

Highlighting the statistic that in 2018, manufacturing had the highest proportion of workers with days away from work due to nonfatal injuries and illnesses, casts a spotlight on an essential facet of workplace safety challenges within the OSHA Injury Statistics post. It underscores the need for stringent preventive measures, proper training, and the utilization of safety equipment within this industry. It sheds light on the critical intersection of workplace safety and productivity, as well as the associated economic implications given that time lost equals business revenue affected. Consequently, this statistic necessitates enhanced attention from OSHA, employers, and employees to make this sector safer, consequently improving overall worker wellbeing while also addressing productivity concerns.

In 2017, the incidence rate of occupational injuries and illnesses was 3.1 cases per 100 full-time workers.

Highlighting the 2017 incidence rate of occupational injuries and illnesses (3.1 cases per 100 full-time workers) effectively illuminates the tangible impact the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has on workers’ safety. This stark numeric evidence serves as a sharp reminder about the prevalence of workplace hazards, underscored by the intimidating real-life odds suggested by the statistic. It amplifies the importance of OSHA’s regulatory role in ensuring safe and healthy working conditions, serving as a compelling rationale to encourage adherence to OSHA guidelines, and emphasizes the need for vigilant inspections and workplace controls. The statistic also underscores the gravity of the situation and the importance of addressing the causes to ensure the well-being of the workforce.

The private industry sector reported nearly 2.8 million nonfatal work-related injuries and illnesses in 2018.

The statistic – around 2.8 million nonfatal work-related injuries and illnesses reported by the private industry sector in 2018 – illuminates the pervasive risk that workers in private industries face every day. In an OSHA Injury Statistics blog post, this information acts as a reminder of the sheer weight and gravity of workplace safety issues. It spotlights the pivotal role of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), underlining the need for stringent adherence to safety regulations, regular inspections, and the effectiveness of OSHA’s guidelines in mitigating such occupational hazards. With such high numbers, the statistic is a call to arms to industries, employees, and OSHA alike to actively work towards creating safer, more secure working environments.

Nearly one-third of nonfatal occupational injuries or illnesses that required days away from work in 2018 were severe, requiring 8 or more days to recuperate.

Turning the spotlight on the glaring reality of the workplace safety issue, the statistic reveals that in 2018, close to one-third of nonfatal occupational injuries or illnesses called for considerable time-offs (8 or more days). This evidently underscores the significant impact such injuries or illnesses have, not just on the productivity of the workforce but also on their overall well-being. By closely examining this statistic, we can decode the hidden narrative behind the OSHA Injury Statistics, prompting a thorough revaluation of the existing workplace policies and an urgent call for measures to reduce such high-severity incidents.

In 2019, 5,333 workers died on the job, an average of more than 100 a week or more than 15 deaths every day.

In the panorama of OSHA injury statistics, the sobering figure from 2019 that sees 5,333 workers losing their life on the job – an average surpassing 100 weekly, or over 15 diurnal mortalities – underscores the critical gravity of occupational safety. This statistic not only unearths the reality of the risks faced by workers daily, but it also calls attention to the crucial need for stringent safety regulations, vigilant enforcement, continuous education, and the implementation of preventative measures. It dramatically signifies that occupational hazards are not mere probabilities, but are realities that can irrevocably change lives, making workplace safety a matter of life and death.

Falls, slips, and trips resulted in 27% of fatal occupational injuries in 2018.

Highlighting the statistic that ‘falls, slips, and trips accounted for 27% of fatal occupational injuries in 2018’ offers poignant insight into the hidden dangers of the workplace. It epitomizes the urgent need for rigorous safety measures, reader-friendly guidelines, and stringent adherence to regulations set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A deeper delve into these eye-opening figures can potentially empower employees and employers alike to create safer working environments, consequently lowering the risk of such incidences, saving lives, and reinforcing productivity.

In 2019, the construction industry experienced 1,061 fatal workplace injuries, the highest total since 2007.

Highlighting the alarming statistic of 1,061 fatal workplace injuries in the construction industry in 2019—a record high since 2007—in the context of a discussion on OSHA Injury Statistics, underscores the escalating danger in this field. It serves as a clarion call for immediate intervention regarding safety in the industry, pushing for discussions on effective strategies, protocols, and regulations. This data is a consequence of possible lapses in safety practices or regulations, and therefore challenges stakeholders, including OSHA, to revaluate and reinforce industry standards and practices. Moreover, it underscores the obligation we all have to make every workplace safe for all employees.

Roughly 20% of worker fatalities in private industry in 2019 were in construction.

Unequivocally shedding light on the palpable risks associated within the construction industry, the figure of roughly 20% of worker fatalities in private industry in 2019 being tied to construction serves as an alarming indication. In a discourse focused on OSHA injury statistics, such a figure underlines the undying need for stricter safety protocols, mitigation strategies, and overall stricter regulatory oversight. This statistic isn’t just an abstraction, rather it’s a poignant reminder that one in five workers lost in private sectors are from construction, amplifying the gravity of hazards occurring in this line of work. Hence, any dialogue surrounding OSHA injury statistics, which aims towards understanding and improving occupational safety, ought to explicitly address construction fatalities and their possible preventive measures.

The ‘Fatal Four’ (Falls, Struck by Object, Electrocution, Caught-in/between) were responsible for more than half (58.6%) of construction worker deaths in 2018.

Highlighting the chilling reality of construction sites, the alarming statistic, The ‘Fatal Four’ (Falls, Struck by Object, Electrocution, Caught-in/between) which accounted for over half (58.6%) of construction worker deaths in 2018, serves as a sobering reminder of the undeniably high risks inherent within this field. This data, culled from OSHA injury statistics, accentuates the urgency for stringent safety measures, worker trainings, and legislative enforcement to guard against these prevalent hazards, shedding light on four pivotal areas of focus to significantly reduce construction site fatalities. The investments in safety precautions, as such, become a non-negotiable imperative rather than a mere good-to-follow directive, accentuating the toll of negligence on human lives in the construction industry.

In 2018, nonfatal injury and illness cases with days away from work, job restrictions, or transfers decreased to 1.1 million cases.

Imagining the pulse and rhythm of a functioning workplace without a disruption is an ideal scenario. Yet, the narrative of “Osha Injury Statistics” weaves a diverse tale. Cast your attention to 2018, where a drop was noted in nonfatal injury and illness cases necessitating time off, job restrictions, or transfers, falling to a total of 1.1 million cases. This declining trend symbolizes significant progress in workplace safety and health protocols, promoting a safer environment for employees. In the broader perspective, it underscores the effectiveness of compliance with Osha’s guidelines, transforming them from mere regulations into life-preserving measures. Therefore, this number is a beacon of hope, representing how proactive steps towards ensuring employee well-being can yield tangible results, fostering not only a thriving workplace but also a healthier workforce.

Over 50% of injuries and illnesses reported in 2018 involved days away from work, job transfer, or restriction.

The statistic ‘Over 50% of injuries and illnesses reported in 2018 involved days away from work, job transfer, or restriction’ paints a potent picture of the significant impact of workplace accidents on workforce productivity. Not only does this insight emphasize the extent of physical harm to the employees, it directly links that harm to economic repercussions through work absences and job adaptations. Essentially, it highlights the dual incentive for employers – from a human compassion and business productivity perspective – to pay more attention to OSHA regulations, workplace safety and hazard prevention measures.

In 2018, work injuries involved 1,190,100 days-away-from-work cases, a number essentially unchanged from 2017.

An intriguing deep-dive into the world of OSHA Injury Statistics reveals that in 2018, the number of work injuries held steady at 1,190,100 days-away-from-work cases, mirroring figures from the previous year, 2017. This stagnant trend is far from static noise—it’s a glaring spotlight on an unresolved issue. It underscores the critical need for perpetual improvements in workplace safety measures, policy implementations, and injury prevention strategies. Just as crucially, it prompts us to scrutinize the effectiveness of current occupational health policies. Are they truly making a concrete difference or are we simply running in circles, with these staggering numbers of ‘lost workdays’ as the sobering proof?

In 2019, the median number of days away from work due to injury or illness was 8.

Highlighting the OSHA injury statistic that in 2019, the median number of days taken off due to illness or injury rested at eight invites our focus to the raw, direct and tangible impact of workplace hazards. Not only does it emphasise the profound toll on employee health, but it also underlines the consequential productivity loss experienced by businesses due to these absences. Drawing attention to this statistic paints a clearer picture of the substantial, real-world implications of the work OSHA undertakes to safeguard workers from occupational hazards. It serves as a quantitative testament to the imperative for consistent reinforcement of safety regulations and continuous effort to lower these numbers.

Musculoskeletal disorders, such as sprains or strains resulting from overexertion in lifting, accounted for 31 percent of all worker injury and illness cases in 2019.

In painting a stark picture of the hazards within the workplace, the statistic stating that 31 percent of all worker injury and illness cases in 2019 being related to musculoskeletal disorders, like sprains or strains from overexertion in lifting, is noteworthy. When brought into the context of a blog post centered on OSHA injury statistics, it underscores the critical necessity for safety regulation improvements and ergonomic considerations in work environments. Not only does this highlight the prevalence of these injuries, but it also places a call to action for industries to introspect their safety measures and prioritize worker health, underlining that a significant fraction of the work-related injuries can in fact be prevented.

In 2019, 888,220 private industry injury and illness cases occurred in workplaces employing 1,000 or more workers.

An eye-opening revelation from 2019’s data highlights an impressive 888,220 private industry injury and illness cases, occurring in work establishments with staff strength of 1,000 or more. Such numbers are a stern reminder of the urgency to prioritize employee safety at larger workplaces in our discourse on OSHA injury statistics. The figure underlines the gravity of safety issues that large industries grapple with. It also establishes a direct linkage between workforce size and the frequency of injuries, reinforcing the need for proactive, comprehensive, and robust safety regulations to safeguard employee health and reduce organizational vulnerabilities.

The incidence rate of work-related injuries and illnesses in health care and social assistance was 3.4 per 100 workers in 2018.

As we navigate through the statistical landscape provided by OSHA Injury Statistics, one may find the 3.4 per 100 workers’ affliction rate of work-related injuries and illnesses in health care and social assistance in 2018 alarmingly insightful. This figure serves as a stark reminder of the importance of health and safety measures within our own health care facilities, illuminating the irony of a healthcare sector grappling with its own health issues. It’s a pivotal index, engaging with readers’ understanding of the magnitude of hazards within an industry meant for healing, offering a resource for occupational health conversations, and emphasizing the urgency for improved safety standards.

In 2018, the incidence rate of occupational injury and illnesses in private industry was 2.8 cases per 100 full-time workers.

Weaving the raw numbers into the tapestry of workplace safety, one quickly realizes the potent implications of the statistic, ‘In 2018, the incidence rate of occupational injury and illnesses in private industry stood at 2.8 cases per 100 full-time workers.’ This evidential-based figure entrenches the compelling narrative on occupational hazards, pointing to the critical aspect of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) injury statistics. The key lies in acknowledging that each ‘case’ denotes an individual life disrupted- the cost of productivity, mental agony, medical expenses, and sometimes, lifetime disabilities. Therefore, understanding this statistic acts as a powerful cog driving the conversation on strengthening safety measures, setting the stage for discussing how OSHA’s role and influence can minimize such incidences in the private sector. Perhaps even more compelling is recognizing that these numbers, though seemingly small, have profound implications when scaled up to national, or even global, levels.

Transportation and warehousing reported 197,530 nonfatal injuries and illnesses in 2017 at a rate of 4.6 cases per 100 full-time workers.

In the riveting realm of OSHA injury statistics, the 2017 report on Transportation and Warehousing becomes a significant topic of discussion. Offering essential revelations, the data divulged a hefty count of 197,530 nonfatal injuries and illnesses, reflecting a rate of 4.6 cases per 100 full-time workers. This statistic not only emphasizes the high risk associated with these sectors, but it also underlines the imperative need for enhanced safety measures and effective policies deployed to safeguard employee health. Thus, the conversation around OSHA injury stats, without mentioning such a critical finding, would indeed be an incomplete discourse, underlining its importance.

Firefighters suffered 32,505 injuries in 2020, 74% of which occurred during fireground operations according to OSHA.

Delving into the stark reality of risks embodied by our selfless responders, the OSHA injury statistics reveal a sobering truth: a staggering 32,505 injuries befell firefighters in 2020 alone, with fireground operations accounting for an overwhelming 74% of these incidents. This high-impact data point magnifies the inherent dangers in the line of duty and underscores the critical need for robust safety measures, rigorous trainings, and comprehensive support mechanisms in place. Furthermore, it illuminates the urgency of consistently evolving and maintaining fireground safety protocols, reinforcing the very essence of OSHA’s mission. Through these numbers, we cultivate a pervasive awareness, sparking conversations around firefighter safety and nudging continuous improvements in this field, thereby safeguarding those who shield us.

Conclusion

Overall, OSHA injury statistics provide an essential insight into workplace safety in various industries. They highlight the imperative need for continuous safety measures, training, and protocols to reduce worker injuries and fatalities. The varied data shows that although strides have been made in certain sectors, there are other areas requiring increased attention and improvement for the prevention of workplace harm. Understanding and using these statistics effectively can lead to safer work environments and healthier employees, which ultimately benefits both companies and their staff members.

References

0. – https://www.www.osha.gov

1. – https://www.www.bls.gov

FAQs

What is an OSHA injury?

An OSHA injury refers to any work-related injury or illness that needs to be recorded under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)'s recordkeeping regulations. It could range from minor injuries like cuts or bruises to major ones like fractures, amputations, or illnesses resulting from exposure to harmful substances at the workplace.

How is an OSHA injury classified?

OSHA injuries are primarily classified into three categories minor injuries that require only first aid, recordable injuries that are severe enough to require more than basic first aid, and OSHA lost time injuries that are severe enough to cause an employee to miss work.

When should an OSHA injury be reported?

According to OSHA's reporting requirements, an employer must report any work-related fatality within 8 hours. For any work-related in-patient hospitalization, amputation, or eye loss, employers must report the incident within 24 hours.

How do I report an OSHA injury?

OSHA injuries can be reported either online, through the OSHA website, or by calling the nearest OSHA area office during business hours. In certain cases, such as fatalities, the employer can also call the 24-hour OSHA hotline.

What are the penalties for not reporting an OSHA injury?

Failure to report an OSHA injury can lead to penalties, including heavy fines. As of 2021, the maximum fine for serious violations is $13,653 per violation, and for willful or repeated violations, the maximum fine is $136,532 per violation.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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