Fewer workers are getting sick, hurt on the job

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says private industry employers reported 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2023, down 8.4 percent from 2022. The agency says the decrease was driven by a 56.6-percent drop in illnesses to 200,100 cases in 2023, the lowest number since 2019. In 2023, the incidence rate of total recordable cases in private industry for full time workers was 2.4 cases per 100, down from 2.7 in 2022. This was the lowest rate since 2003.

• Read the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses, 2023.
• Read a statement by Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker.

We’re inducting three new members of the Department of Labor’s Hall of Honor during a live and online event on Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. EST at our Washington headquarters. The newest honorees are Filipino labor leaders — Larry Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz and Peter Gines Velasco — who organized Filipino farmworkers and led the Delano Grape Strike. Later they helped create the United Farm Workers union and fought for greater protections, fairer wages and humane treatment for these essential workers. Open to the public but tickets, while they last, are required.

• Get your free tickets to attend the Hall of Honor inductions of Larry Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz and Peter Gines Velasco in person.
• View the Hall of Honor induction event online.

Want to hire better, faster? Heard about skills-first hiring and removing degree requirements but don’t know what it really means? Our new tool can get you started in 15 minutes. Read our blog on making better and faster hiring decisions.

The department’s Mine Safety and Health Administration awarded more than $10.5 million in grants to organizations in 45 states, the Navajo Nation and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to reduce mining accidents, injuries and illnesses by supporting programs such as safety and health courses. Grants will support the delivery of federally mandated training for miners working at surface, underground coal and metal and nonmetal mines, and miners employed in shell dredging or surface stone, sand and gravel-mining operations. “Every miner deserves to end their shift safe and healthy, and quality educational programs will go a long way toward reducing mining accidents, injuries and illnesses,” said Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Chris Williamson.

• Learn more about the grants.
• Get information on our annual conference for mine safety trainers.

Cold weather has arrived in many parts of the country, bringing extra risks for workers. Employers have a responsibility to protect workers from weather-related hazards; it’s essential that they know the risks and how to keep workers safe. Explore OSHA’s guidance for winter working conditions today. 

Abiomed Inc., a Massachusetts federal medical equipment supplier, will pay $57,000 to six female employees excluded illegally from promotion opportunities. 

A federal court is requiring Wyncote Wellness LLC and its owner to pay 196 employees $810,320 in back wages and damages for routinely denying them overtime wages.

595 Construction LLC, a habitual violator of fall regulations, faces $287,465 in fines after three inspections in the same neighborhood in May 2024. 

Registered Apprenticeship programs are helping to expand America’s teacher workforce.

Employment and Training Administration Assistant Secretary Rodríguez led a panel with Wisconsin business and labor leaders on how the state is modernizing unemployment insurance for easier access.

We issued guidance and relief for benefit plans, participants and beneficiaries affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton.

As the holiday season ramps up, we urge employers to keep employees safe — especially new and young workers — and to pay them properly for all hours worked. Be aware of restricted jobs for kids, like operating forklifts, trash compactors and balers. 

• Safety guidance for order fulfillment, delivery, retail and other industries
• Information on child labor laws
• Answers to FAQs about holiday employment 

Today, and every day, we salute America’s veterans for the sacrifices they've made on behalf of our nation. We remain steadfast in our mission to empower veterans, those in service and their spouses by paving the way to rewarding careers. #VeteransDay 

-USDOL LinkedIn

• Axios: How Julie Su negotiated the end of the Boeing strike
• OH&S: OSHA reports decrease in construction fatalities tied to trench collapses and falls
• WJET-TV ABC 24 Erie: PA healthcare agency to pay $810K for federal wage, OT violations
• Manufacturing Drive: Manufacturing injury, illness worker rate sank 10% in 2023: BLS 
• KYTV-TV NBC 3 Springfield: OSHA Death Investigations
• Hornell Evening Tribune: OSHA plans major update to Fire Brigade standards.
• McKnight’s Senior Living: Federal agencies pledge help for benefit plans, beneficiaries affected by recent storms