Workplace Injuries Remain Mostly Unchanged in 2020

Job-Related Injuries Still a Significant Problem

Even though many workers were laid off or worked from home in 2020 because of the pandemic, statistics gathered by the U.S. Department of Labor indicate that the rate of injuries remained essentially the same. According to data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were approximately 3 injuries for every 100 full-time workers across America last year. Until 2020, that number had gone down consistently for 15 years. Injuries caused one in every hundred workers to lose at least a full day of work, and nearly as many workers were forced to take a new job or work with restrictions.

The Most Dangerous Occupations in America

You might think that construction, industrial, or warehouse work would have the highest rate of workplace injury. In fact, it’s nursing, with about 370 accidents for every 10,000 workers. That’s just ahead of commercial truck drivers, who report approximately 360 mishaps per 10,000 drivers. Warehouse, stock, and material movers see about 350 accidents per 10,000 workers. Construction workers have a significantly lower injury rate, at around 250 per 10,000.

In terms of actual numbers of injuries or illnesses, health care also came in at the top, with nearly 550,000 injuries and about 33,000 illnesses. Retail workers sustained about 400,000 injuries and 10,000 illnesses, whereas construction workers had just under 200,000 injuries and about 3,600 illnesses.

The Most Common Causes of Non-Fatal Workplace Injuries

BLS statistics indicate that the greatest number of injuries result from overexertion—workers trying to lift, pull, or carry too much, or working too long without a break—about 33 accidents per 10,000. Slips and falls accounted for around 27 accidents per 10,000 and falling objects/contact with objects or equipment made up about 24 of every 10,000 injury claims.

Contact Howard D. Popper, P.C.

At Howard D. Popper, P.C., we can help protect your rights. For a free initial consultation to discuss your options after a work-related motor vehicle accident, contact our office online or call 973-993-8787 to set up an appointment. We have offices in Morristown and Newton. Currently, all our client communications are by phone, text message, and videoconference.

We handle all personal injury claims on a contingent-fee basis. You won’t pay any attorney fees unless we recover damages for your losses.