BLS: Mid-size Workplaces Have Highest Injury Rates
According to data released recently by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses among private industry employers occurred at a rate of 4.4 cases per 100 equivalent full-time workers in 2006. Small establishments (those employing 1 to 10 workers) reported the lowest rate for injuries and illnesses combined (1.9 cases per 100 full-time workers). Mid-size establishments (those employing 50 to 249 workers) reported the highest rate (5.5 cases per 100 full-time workers).
While the incidence rate remained relatively unchanged for small establishments employing fewer than 11 workers, the rates for establishments in all other size classes declined significantly in 2006 compared to 2005.
For workplaces with 1,000 or more employees, the injury and illness rate in private industry was 4.9. For establishments with 250 to 999 employees the rate was 5.0. Organizations between the small- and mid-size levels with 11 to 49 employees had an incidence rate of 3.9, according to the data.