BLS Releases Private Sector Workplace Injuries and Illnesses Report and EHS Resources in Puerto Rico

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) published its latest account of employer-reported workplace injuries and illnesses last month. This most recent report shows workplace injuries and illnesses on the rise covering the 2-year period of 2021-2022.

Private industry employers reported 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2022, up 7.5% from 2021 according to BLS. This increase was driven by the rise in both injuries, up 4.5% to 2.3 million cases, and illnesses up 26.1% to 460,700 cases. The increase in illnesses was driven by the rise in respiratory illness cases, up 35.4% to 365,000 cases in 2022.

BLS also reported that over the 2-year period there were 2.2 million cases involving days away from work (DAFW), representing 66.5% of the total cases involving days away from work, job restriction or transfer (DART). These cases occurred at an annualized incidence rate of 112.9 cases per 10,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers and required a median of 10 days away from work. Over the same period, there were 1.1 million cases involving days of job transfer or restriction (DJTR), which accounted for 33.5% of total DART cases, and occurred at an annualized rate of 56.9 cases per 10,000 FTE workers. The median days of job transfer or restriction was 15 days over 2021-2022.

“This report doesn’t include figures for the thousands of workers that tragically lose their lives on the job due to workplace accidents or exposure to harmful substances,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “By law, employers are responsible for providing a safe workplace for all of their employees. At Zimmetry, our industrial hygiene and EHS experts are dedicated to helping employers in Puerto Rico and throughout the region prevent accidents, injuries, illnesses and deaths due to occupational hazards. Our professionals identify and mitigate occupational exposure risks and safety concerns. These services not only protect workers and the public, they are also instrumental for keeping employers in regulatory compliance.”

To learn more about Zimmetry and their industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, environmental, and compliance testing and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .

About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies. The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America. The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.

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