Injuries, illnesses up 7.5 percent in 2022

Posted November 17, 2023

In 2022, private industry employers reported 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, an increase of 7.5 percent from 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The increase is due to a rise in both illnesses (up 26.1 percent over 2021) and injuries (up 4.5 percent over 2021). Respiratory illness cases drove the spike in reported illnesses; this came after a decrease in such cases in 2021 compared to 2020.

Data of note

• Overexertion and bodily reaction had the most days away from work, job restriction, or transfer (DART) cases, followed by contact with objects and equipment.
• Transportation and material moving occupations had the highest number of DART cases, with 835,040 total injuries and illnesses in 2021-2022. Most cases were due to overexertion and bodily reaction and over half resulted in one or more days away from work.
• Most DART cases for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations were due to exposure to harmful substances or environments, which includes COVID-19.
• Respiratory illnesses increased 37.5 percent in private healthcare and social assistance, and 66.8 percent in grocery stores.
• During the 2021-2022 period, 520,380 musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) resulted in at least one day away from work.

This article was written by Rachel Krubsack of J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.