Beware of New Data on Workplace Injury
18th October 2007
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Did incidents of workplace illness and injury decline last year? On the surface, the data in yesterday's report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) sure seems that way. The BLS figures show a slight drop-off in private-sector workplace injuries and illnesses in 2006, compared with 2005, and indicate the rate of injuries and illnesses was the lowest since 1972.
Let's take a closer look.
BLS bases its figures on data recorded on the Log of Injuries and Illnesses required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). And as workplace safety advocates and academics long have pointed out, these figures have a major flaw—they are compiled from one source—employers.