Decline in nonfatal workplace injuries continues in 2006

Nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses among private industry employers in 2006 occurred at a rate of 4.4 cases per 100 equivalent full-time workers—a decline from 4.6 cases in 2005.

The rate in 2006 was the lowest since the workplace injuries and illnesses survey was first conducted in 1972.

There were rate declines for injuries and illnesses in both goods-producing and service-providing industries between 2005 and 2006—the rate fell from 6.2 cases per 100 full-time workers to 5.9 cases in goods-producing industries and from 4.1 cases per 100 full-time workers to 3.9 cases in service-providing industries.