Ind. Dept. of Labor Reports 5.2 Percent Drop in Workplace Injuries, Illnesses

The Indiana Department of Labor recently reported a 5.2 percent drop in the number of workplace injuries and illnesses in 2006 from the year before. The figures are compiled in a survey by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The 5.2 percent drop reflected a decrease from about 117,400 injuries and illnesses in Indiana private industries in 2005 to 111,300 in 2006, despite an overall increase of 8,795 people working.

More detailed numbers for particular occupations, industries and types of work will be released in November, the bureau said.

The latest survey indicated the greatest improvement was in manufacturing, which had a drop from 8.3 injuries or illnesses per 100 workers in 2005 to 7.3 in 2006.