Compliance File

Contractors reduce workplace injuries
Non-fatal occupational injuries in the building services industry decreased by almost 9 percent in 1999, which is better than the overall national average of a 4 percent drop, according to newly released data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

There were 166,800 non-fatal workplace injuries in the industry in 1999, with about 46 percent of those injuries requiring lost workdays and/or restricted work activity. No fatal injuries were reported for 1999.

The rate of injury cases for the building services industry, per 100 full-time workers, was 5.6 with an average rate of injuries requiring lost workdays and/or restricted work activity of 2.8. This means the average contractor had about five workplace injuries for every 100 workers in 1999, and that about two to three of those injuries required time off of work or restricted duties until the person recovered.

Overall private industry injuries totaled 5.3 million in 1999, at a rate of 6.3 cases per 100 full-time workers, which is the lowest level since the bureau began reporting such information in the early 1970s.

Data regarding the most common injuries or the average number of work days lost are expected to be released by this summer.

The “services to buildings” category, SIC code 734, includes any type of contractor providing services to business-related buildings, such as cleaning, window washing or electrical maintenance. To review the complete set of data, click here.

To compare your own company’s occupational injury and/or illness rates with those of the industry, use the following formula:

Number of injuries and/or illnesses X 200,000

This information is intended as a summary of legal information and should in no way be construed as legal advice. Contact your attorney before proceeding with any legal action.