Indiana's 2017 Injury and Illness Rate Held Steady at Record Low
The Indiana nonfatal occupational injury and illness rate held steady at 3.5 per 100 full-time workers, the same rate as in 2016.
The Indiana Department of Labor recently released the state's results from the 2017 Bureau of Labor Statistics Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses report, showing that the Indiana nonfatal occupational injury and illness rate held steady at 3.5 per 100 full-time workers, the same rate as in 2016. BLS estimates around 83,500 Indiana workers experienced a nonfatal, OSHA-recordable injury or illness during 2017.
"The goal of the our agency and our partner trade groups, labor organizations, and safety programs statewide is for Hoosier employers to commit to protecting Indiana's working men and women," said Rick J. Ruble, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Labor. "The continuation of this historically low rate proves that they are answering that call."
The 2017 rate is 8 percent lower than the historically 2015 low rate of 3.8, and 2017 was the sixth consecutive year Indiana's injury and illness rate was at or below 4.0. The state's rate has fallen by 69 percent since the all-time high of 11.3 injuries or illnesses per 100 full-time workers in 1994.
The report showed the Indiana construction industry saw a small drop in its rate, from 2.8 in 2016 and 2015 to 2.6 in 2017. Nonfatal incident rates in the transportation and warehouse industry fell by 10.6 percent per 100 full-time workers in 2017 from the prior year, but the agricultural industry experienced an increase of 25.3 percent in 2017, compared to 2016.
The department, partnering with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Central Indiana Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals, is accepting applications for the 2019 Governor's Workplace Safety Awards and Everyday Safety Hero Awards. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. EST Jan. 11, 2019.
These are annual awards recognizing Indiana employers and employees who proactively work together to advance the health, safety, and prosperity of employees in the workplace. Indiana workplaces of all types and sizes, including businesses, municipalities, unions, schools, service organizations, and nonprofits, are eligible for nomination. To download the awards' applications, visit www.in.gov/dol/2934.htm. The awards will be presented at the annual Governor’s Workplace Safety Awards Luncheon during the 2910 Indiana Safety and Health Conference Expo on Feb. 28, 2019, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.