5.3 cases per 100 full-time workers injured on job, state figures say

An annual survey of occupational injuries and illnesses conducted by the Department of Labor and Industry’s Research and Analysis Bureau shows that injuries and illnesses in private industry are declining.

Private industry workplaces in Montana reported five injuries and illnesses per hundred full-time workers in 2010.  The 2009 incidence rate was 5.3 cases per hundred full-time workers.

“Although this is a move in the right direction, it reinforces the need to make safety part of Montana’s work culture,” said Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly.

Montana’s incidence rate was above the national rate of 3.5 cases per hundred full-time workers in 2010 and 3.6 cases per hundred full-time workers in 2009. 

Employers in Montana reported a total of 15,700 injuries and illnesses with 6,800 of them involving days away from work during 2010 compared to 17,200 injuries and illnesses with 7,600 days away from work cases reported in 2009.

Montana’s incidence rate of injuries varies by major industry division.  The following rates are based on the number of cases per 100 full-time workers:

•  7.1 cases in manufacturing

• 6.3 cases in utilities

• 3.9 cases in mining

• 1.0 cases in finance and insurance

• 4.2 cases in education

• 6.2 cases in retail

The Research and Analysis Bureau conducts the annual survey of occupational in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The survey estimates the number and incidence rates of workplace injuries and illnesses from records kept by private industry employers. 

These records show the year’s injury and illness experience. They also reflect the employer’s understanding of work-related cases under current record keeping guidelines required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 

Injuries and illnesses are reported when they result in lost work time, medical treatment other than first aid, loss of consciousness, restriction of work or motion, or require a transfer to another job.