Hoosier Workplace Safety Rates Improve

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the rate of workplace injuries in Indiana has hit a record low. (stock photo)

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A new federal report shows the number of workplace injuries in Indiana has reached a new low. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has released data showing Indiana’s 2018 nonfatal occupational injury and illness rate is the lowest in state history, with an almost 6% decrease from 2017’s previous historic low.

Approximately 5,800 Indiana businesses participated in the survey.

According to the BLS report, Indiana’s rate of nonfatal workplace injuries and illness is estimated at 3.3 injuries or illnesses per 100 full-time workers, compared to 2017’s rate of 3.5. The highest reported level is 11.3 injuries per 100 Hoosier workers set in 1994.

“Workplace health and safety has been improving steadily in Indiana for over the past 25 years, and continues to improve,” said Rick Ruble, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Labor. 

Breaking it down by industry, Hoosier agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industry experienced a 32.1% decrease from a rate of 5.3 in 2017 to a rate of 3.6 in 2018.