New figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor, show the nonfatal workplace injury and illness rate for North Carolina’s private industry remains at a historic low for 2023 with a rate of 2.0 cases per 100 full-time workers. This is significantly lower than the national rate of 2.4.

These data are estimates from the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) compiled by the BLS. The rate accounts for growth and contraction in total hours worked in industry, which is an important factor in a state like North Carolina that has experienced significant growth.

“I am proud to see the state of North Carolina’s injury and illness rate is significantly lower than the national rate,” Chief of Staff Scott Mabry said. “I want to thank the employers and employees for their hard work and dedication to workplace safety and health. The N.C. Department of Labor will continue to push the importance of safety and health at the workplace and get these injury and illness rates even lower.”

The 2023 rate for North Carolina’s local government and state government sectors, along with private industry construction, did not significantly change between 2022 and 2023. In North Carolina, the 2023 rate for private industry manufacturing did have a statistically significant change from 2.6 to 2.4

As a State-Plan state, North Carolina’s Occupational Safety and Health Division will continue its focus on hazardous industries, such as construction and manufacturing, through its special emphasis programs, by providing free safety training and education, conducting free safety and health consultative visits, and establishing partnerships and alliances with industries.