The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its 2023 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses on Nov. 8, showing workplace injuries and illnesses fell to its lowest level since 2003.

Private industry employers reported 2.6 million workplace injuries and illnesses in 2023, a decrease of 8.4% year-over-year, the Bureau reported. The decrease was driven by a drop in illnesses of 56.6% to 200,100 cases, the lowest number since 2018.

The incidence rate of total recordable cases (TRC) in private industry was 2.4 cases per 100 full-time equivalents, down from 2.7 in the year prior.

The Bureau reported 946,500 nonfatal injuries and illnesses involving days away from work (DAFW) in 2023, down 20.1% year-over-year.

“We are encouraged by these significant improvements in injury and illness rates in 2023,” The U.S. Department of Labor’s Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Douglas Park said in a statement on Nov. 8. “Looking at the BLS report and our own recent analysis showing fewer worker deaths in OSHA’s purview, our formula of strong enforcement combined with collaboration between government, labor and the private sector to make workplace safety and health as a core value is making a difference in the lives of America’s workers.”

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