Click here to return to the Section 5 index
How do occupational injuries and illnesses affect work disability?
Occupational injuries and illnesses also contribute to work disability. Over the past 20 years, the number of reported occupational injuries and illnesses has generally decreased, but the impact of these injuries and illnesses has greatly increased. In 1972, 10.9 cases of occupational injury or illness were recorded for every 100 full-time workers. By 1994, that incidence rate had dropped to 8.4 cases per 100 workers. In 1972, occupational injuries and illnesses caused 47.9 lost work days per 100 workers, whereas by 1991, the rate had increased to 86.5 lost workdays per 100 workers.
The effect of occupational illnesses and injuries has increased over the last 15 years.
Graphic: Line chart.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1995
Survey: ASOII, 1972-1994