The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Tuesday said the rate of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses fell 5.3% in 2023 from 2017 in both public and private sectors in the state, according to findings in the latest Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII).
According to the survey conducted by NJDOL’s Office of Research and Information, there were about 87,300 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in New Jersey’s public and private sectors in 2023, with an incidence rate of 2.6 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers. This compares with a reported 92,200 cases at a rate of 2.9.
In 2023, the private sector reported about 66,800 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, a 6.8% decline from the 71,700 cases recorded in 2017. The incidence rate decreased to 2.3 from 2.6 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers.
The public sector saw around 20,500 nonfatal injuries and illnesses reported in both 2023 and 2017. This sector includes hazardous occupations such as police officers and firefighters. It did show a slight improvement in cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers, decreasing 5.0 from 5.2.
There are several factors behind the decline. Employers are investing more in health and safety protocols; the pandemic raised awareness of health precautions, encouraging behaviors like staying home when unwell and wearing masks in high-risk environments; companies are adopting technologies and training programs to limit risks; government agencies and industry regulators have been working to enforce safety standards and reduce workplace hazards.
NJDOL’s Division of Public Safety and Occupational Safety and Health (PSOSH) provides several programs and services to help reduce safety risks in both the public and private sectors. The Occupational Safety and Health On-Site Consultation Program offers free evaluations to help employers identify and mitigate workplace hazards. Additionally, the Occupational Safety Training Program provides no-cost assistance in creating customized training programs that educate both employees and employers on how to maintain safe and healthy workspaces.
