Lost-Time Work Injuries Continue to Decline

The number of lost-work-time incidents continued to decline last year when U.S. companies reported 1.3 million injuries and illnesses, the Labor Department said this week. The reported number was 56,000 fewer than in 2004, or a 4.3% decrease, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The accident-illness rate was 141.3 per 10,000 full-time workers compared to 150 in 2003. Even the severity of the injuries showed improvement. The median days away from work to recuperate was seven last year; it had been eight the year before, the Labor Department said. The majority of lost-time injuri...