Top Five Industries in Maryland with Non-Fatal Occupational Injuries
Most people who leave home for work each morning don’t expect to get injured or become ill due to their job but, regardless of your industry, there is always a chance that you may. From slips and falls to overexertion, workplace-related illnesses and injuries are more common than you may think. In 2019, there were 2,814,000 nonfatal injuries and illnesses reported by private industries in the United States. Specific to Maryland, the incidence rates of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses (including private, state, and local government) in 2019 was 3.1 cases per 100 equivalent full-time workers.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor’s Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) program provides annual information on the incidence rate, a measure of the probability of occurrence, and the number of work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatal injuries. This article looks at the top five industries with non-fatal occupational injuries in Maryland (2019) and their corresponding incidence rates. Some may surprise you!
Leading Industries for Non-Fatal Occupational Injuries in Maryland
Nursing and residential care facilities
Incidence rate: 28.1 per 100 full-time employees
Who is included: Nurses, supervisors, and other types of caretakers for residents of care facilities.
One of the most reported occupational injuries in this industry is overexertion. Overexertion is a nonimpact injury and can be caused by lifting, holding, pushing, pulling, or any other activity that pushes your body to its limits.
Health care and social assistance
Incidence rate: 25.2 per 100 full-time employees
Who is included: workers in establishments that provide health care and social assistance for individuals.
If you are a health care or social assistance worker, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one of the greatest occupational risk factors you face is being violently assaulted. Approximately 10.9 cases (per 100 full-time employees) reported having to take days off from work due to injuries on the job.
Hospitals
Incidence rate: 23.6 per 100 full-time employees
Who is included: Anyone providing medical, diagnostic, and treatment services, including physicians, nurses, and other health service providers to both inpatients, any specialized accommodation services required by inpatients, and outpatient services.
Sprains and strains make up more than half of all injuries reported by hospital workers.
Wood product manufacturing
Incidence rate: 17.3 per 100 full-time employees
Who is included: Workers who manufacture wood products, such as lumber, plywood, veneers, wood containers, wood flooring, wood trusses, manufactured homes (i.e., mobile homes), and prefabricated wood buildings.
Fractures are the most reported work injury in this industry, followed by open wounds.
Transportation and warehousing
Incidence rate: 14.8 per 100 full-time employees
Who is included: Workers providing transportation of passengers and cargo, warehousing and storage for goods, scenic and sightseeing transportation, and support activities related to modes of transportation.
Transportation and warehouse workers are especially susceptible to strains and tears on the job, the most reported injury.
Curious about which industry had the lowest rates in 2019? Finance and insurance had the lowest incidence rate of 0.1 per 100 workers. A breakdown of all nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses in Maryland can be found here.
How can we help?
If you experience a work-related illness or injury, you likely have many questions and concerns. Our attorneys at Shultz Legal specialize in Maryland Workers’ Compensation and can help you get the proper attention you deserve. Call us today at 410-505-7640 or contact us via our webform.
