A recent report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that there is a significant decline in worker injury and illness rates. In fact, the report states that there were three reported nonfatal injury cases per 100 full-time workers, which is the lowest recorded rate since 2002.
Factors Contributing to the Decline
The majority of employers aim to comply with safety standards. As a result, many workplaces have grown safer over the years.
Earlier this year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a final rule requiring certain employers to electronically submit data from their work-related injury records to OSHA. OSHA included three major anti-retaliation provisions in the final rule, which will take effect Dec. 1, 2016.
In addition to OSHA’s focus on employers properly reporting workplace injuries, HR managers’ continued focus on ensuring managers and supervisors are properly trained may help lower the number of workplace illnesses and injuries.