Skilled Litigators Advocating For Clients in Louisiana

Louisiana’s rate of workplace injuries remains steady

On Behalf of | Feb 15, 2018 | Workplace Injuries

Over the past 15 years, Louisiana’s rate of workplace injuries has consistently decreased. That has changed, however, according to a new report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The agency recently released new data regarding workplace injuries throughout Louisiana. The research shows that instead of decreasing, the state’s rate of nonfatal workplace injuries remained steady from 2016 to 2017.

Louisiana’s workplace injury rate

Even though workplace injuries in Louisiana did not continue their downward trend, the BLC’s report did contain a heartening statistic: Compared to other state averages, our state has one of the lowest rates of workplace injuries in the country. The data indicate that in 2016, Louisiana saw 1.9 incidents of nonfatal work-related injuries or illnesses per 100 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers. The statistic was identical in 2015. The national average was 2.9 injuries or illnesses per 100 FTE workers. Further, Louisiana’s 2016 incidence rate of workplace injuries was 70.5 per 10,000 FTE employees; the national average is 90.5.

More state statistics

The bureau’s report offers several other important details regarding the state’s work-related injuries. The rate of illness and injury improved across several fields, including construction, health care, manufacturing, transportation and warehousing. The most common reported injuries included sprains, strains and tears. Some of the causes of these injuries include falls, slips and motor vehicle accidents.

Options after workplace injuries

Workplace injuries are a hazard that no worker should have to experience, yet they affect far too many Louisianans every year. Until workplace injuries have been eradicated entirely, it is important for workers to know their options when they have been injured. Workers’ compensation payments are frequently available to cover an injured worker’s medical expenses and missed pay. In situations where an injury was caused by an employer’s negligence, many employees pursue compensation through lawsuits.

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