Non-Fatal Workplace Injuries, Illnesses Hit Historic Low In Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS – The number of non-fatal injuries and illnesses suffered by Indiana full-time works fell to a historic low.

The rate last year was 3.8 per 100 full-time workers.

That’s the lowest recorded rate since the Indiana Department of Labor began collecting the data through the updated Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses in 1992.

“Two consecutive years of historically low workplace injuries and illnesses proves that we are taking the necessary steps to make sure Hoosiers across the state are safe at work,” Gov. Mike Pence said in a statement. “I applaud the Indiana Department of Labor for their commitment and focus on employer and employee safety so we can continue to raise the bar on workplace wellbeing.”

The rate is a 5 percent decline from the 2012 rate of 4. The agriculture sector faired the best in a year’s time. The injury and illness rate dropped in that sector from 7.2 to 3.6 per 100 full-time workers – a 50 percent drop.

Rick Ruble, the commissioner of the Indiana Department of Labor, attributed the rate decrease to more managers and employees having an “active ownership” over their safety and health care programs.