Minnesota Sets New Record Low For Workplace Injuries

Findings from the annual Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses reveal that workplace injury rates in Minnesota dropped to their lowest rates on record in 2015.

The data, which has officially been recorded since 1973, shows that there was an estimated 3.5 OSHA-recordable nonfatal workplace injuries per 100 full-time-equivalent (FTE) employees in 2015. That rate declined from 3.7 cases per 100 FTE in 2014 and 3.9 cases per 100 FTE in both 2013 and 2012. In terms of the total number of injuries, the survey estimates that 75,000 full-time workers suffered a nonfatal workplace injury or illness in 2015, down from 78,700 in 2014.

“In the past decade, Minnesota has seen a 31 percent decrease in its rate of work-related injuries and illnesses,” said Ken Peterson, Department of Labor and Industry commissioner. “While this is good news overall, there is still much work to do to improve workplace safety and health to ensure more workers go home safe and healthy each night.”

Workplace Injury Survey Findings

Here’s a closer look at some of the findings from the 2015 workplace injury survey:

An estimated 35,500 injuries or illnesses resulted in multiple days away from work, job transfer or employment restrictions, which is down from 38,400 such cases in 2014.

The industry with the highest total injury and illness rate was agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, with an estimated 6.5 cases per 100 FTE workers. Construction (5.3 cases) and transportation (5.0) ranked as the second and third most dangerous industries in Minnesota.

On a national scale, there were 3,658,500 non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported in private and public sector workplaces in 2015 at a rate of 3.3 cases per 100 FTE. This means that although Minnesota has reached a 43-year low for injuries, we’re still slightly above the national average.

Sprains and strains were the most common injuries reported, oftentimes affecting the spinal column, lower back and feet.

Minnesota Workplace Injury Attorney

The numbers are encouraging, but they are still higher than the state would like them to be. If you are injured in the workplace, make sure you notify your employer so that the proper steps can be taken. Most people don’t want to miss work and lose out on income because of a work injury, but it’s important to remember that you have rights as an employee and you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. If you have questions about starting your workers’ compensation claim, or you are interested in finding an attorney to manage your case, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (952) 230-2700.