Survey Shows Minn. Workplace Injuries Continue to Decline

A recent Minnesota workplace survey shows the state’s injury and illness rate decreased by 3.6 percent in 2004, following an 8.3 percent decrease in 2003.

A total of 105,500 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported in Minnesota’s private-industry and public-sector workplaces during 2004, resulting in a rate of 5.3 cases per 100 full-time-equivalent (FTE) workers, according to the annual “Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses.” The 2003 injury and illness rate was 5.5 cases per 100 FTE workers.

The number of nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses dropped by 5.5 percent from the 2003 total of 111,600 cases and is 12.4 percent below the 2002 total of 120,500 cases.

To read the complete release and to find links to further statistical information, go to www.doli.state.mn.us/04blssurvey.html.