2009 Workplace Injury, Illness Rates Tumble in Indiana

State officials say Indiana’s nonfatal workplace injury and illness rate tumbled 12 percent last year compared to 2008.

The state Department of Labor says the rate of occupational illnesses and injuries dropped to 4.3 cases per 100 full-time workers from 4.9. The state says that represents the biggest year-over-year decline on record.

The Times of Munster reports the total number of cases fell to 94,800 from 112,100.

The arts, entertainment and recreation industry had the highest rate with 7.2 incidents per 100 workers. Health care and social assistance had 6.5 incidents while manufacturing had 4.7.

Last year, private employers averaged 3.6 cases per 100 workers nationally, while public sector employers averaged 5.8 cases.