The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics released the results of the

Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses recently. These results show that in 2014, private

industry employers reported nearly 3 million mom-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2014.

The total recordable cases incidence rate fell 0.1 cases per 100 full-time workers, however the

rates for cases involving days away from work and for cases of job transfer or restriction only

were unchanged.

Dr. David Michaels, the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, issued

the following statement:

“Today’s Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows that too many workers are still being injured or

sickened on the job. Every year, millions of workers are injured at work and that is simply

unacceptable. We must redouble our efforts to make sure that employers provide workers with

the protections and training they deserve.

“Workplace injuries and illnesses have a devastating effect on workers, their families, and the

businesses where they occur. These injuries and illnesses contribute to the pressing issue of

income inequality: they force working families out of the middle class and into poverty, and keep

the families of lower-wage workers from entering the middle class and achieving the American

Dream.

“Everyone benefits when there are fewer injuries and illnesses. OSHA is committed to continue

increased efforts to ensure every employer is fulfilling its responsibility to protect the safety and

health of its workers.”

With the numbers staying virtually unchanged from 2013 to 2014, you can expect continued

focus on employee safety in 2016. So if you have not recently reviewed your occupational safety

and health policies and procedures, it might be a good time to do so. Otherwise, you could be

looking at substantial fines if you are ever audited by OSHA.

If you have any questions about this report or about updating your occupational safety and health

policies and procedures, please contact us. If you have anything to add about this statement or

these findings, please leave a comment.