Workplace safety isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a vital aspect of any job, ensuring workers return home safely to their loved ones. According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, a worker died every 96 minutes from a work-related injury in 2022, compared to every 101 minutes in 2021. These aren’t just numbers; they represent lives impacted and families forever changed.
To assess workplace safety in the US, we analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We also combined Google search trends with keywords related to workplace injuries.
For a fair ranking, we adjusted the numbers per 100,000 workers. The findings reveal that New York is the safest state, with the fewest reported injuries. Conversely, West Virginia had the highest reported workplace injuries, indicating urgent action in offering workplace safety.
So, where does your state stand in this occupational safety and security narrative? Explore our findings and join the conversation on collectively striving for safer workplaces. When it comes to occupational injuries, every minute counts, and every action matters.
Key Findings
- America’s national average workplace injury rate is 1,728 injuries per 100,000 workers (fatal and nonfatal injuries.)
- West Virginia reports the highest workplace injury rate, with 7.72 fatal injuries and 3,900 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers.
- Arkansas ranks 2nd in the most dangerous workplace, reporting 85 fatal and 1,426 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers.
- Mississippi ranks 3rd in the ten most dangerous workplaces, with 82 fatal and 1,800 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers.
- New York boasts the lowest overall injury rate, setting a national standard, with only 4.04 fatal injuries and 187 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers.
The Most and Least Dangerous States for Workers
10 Most Dangerous States for Workers
1. West Virginia
Final Score: 85.00
With 61 fatal injuries and a startling 3,900 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers, West Virginia tops the charts for workplace injuries. Its exceptionally high non-fatal injury rate underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures. Additionally, the state's Google search trend rate of 115 per 100,000 workers highlights widespread concern and interest in workplace safety.
2. Arkansas
Final Score: 79.84
Arkansas ranks high in workplace injuries, reporting 85 fatal and 1,426 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers. The state's significant fatal injury rate highlights areas for targeted safety improvements. Additionally, with a Google search trend rate of 110 per 100,000 workers, public interest is evident in addressing workplace safety concerns.
3. Mississippi
Final Score: 77.74
Mississippi faces workplace safety challenges, with 82 fatal and 1,800 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers. Addressing these concerns can lead to a safer environment for workers statewide. Moreover, the state's Google search trend rate of 101 per 100,000 workers reflects a growing awareness and interest in improving workplace safety.
4. Oklahoma
Final Score: 75.72
Oklahoma grapples with workplace safety issues, reporting 140 fatal and 914 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers. Enhancing safety protocols can help mitigate these risks and protect workers. Furthermore, the state's Google search trend rate of 97 per 100,000 workers suggests a heightened public concern regarding workplace safety.
5. Montana
Final Score: 75.28
Montana faces workplace safety challenges, reporting 27 fatal and 3,832 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers. Efforts to address these issues can lead to a safer work environment for all. Additionally, the state's Google search trend rate of 106 per 100,000 workers indicates a significant interest in workplace safety among residents.
6. Iowa
Final Score: 73.85
Iowa experiences workplace safety concerns, reporting 111 fatal and 1,351 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers. Implementing robust safety measures can help reduce these risks and ensure worker well-being. Moreover, the state's Google search trend rate of 94 per 100,000 workers suggests a growing awareness of the importance of workplace safety.
7. Maine
Final Score: 73.28
Maine grapples with workplace safety challenges, reporting 32 fatal and 1,825 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers. Addressing these issues is crucial for creating a safer work environment statewide. With a Google search trend rate of 108 per 100,000 workers, there is evident public interest in improving workplace safety.
8. Indiana
Final Score: 71.95
Indiana faces workplace safety issues, reporting 174 fatal and 631 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers. Enhancing safety protocols can help mitigate these risks and protect workers. Additionally, the state's Google search trend rate of 99 per 100,000 workers suggests a growing awareness of workplace safety concerns among residents.
9. Michigan
Final Score: 71.82
Michigan experiences workplace safety concerns, reporting 207 fatal and 423 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers. Efforts to address these issues can lead to a safer work environment for all. Moreover, with a Google search trend rate of 104 per 100,000 workers, there is a notable interest in improving workplace safety in the state.
10. Kansas
Final Score: 70.61
Kansas grapples with workplace safety challenges, reporting 91 fatal and 1,733 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers. Implementing robust safety measures can help reduce these risks and ensure worker well-being. Furthermore, the state's Google search trend rate of 90 per 100,000 workers reflects a growing awareness of workplace safety concerns.
Ten Least Dangerous States for Workers
1. New York
Final Score: 4.32
With 393 fatal injuries and 18,181 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers, New York exhibits relatively lower workplace injury rates. While the state ranks lowest in the dataset, its commitment to workplace safety sets a national standard. The Google search trend rate of 5 per 100,000 workers suggests ongoing interest in maintaining this safety record.
2. Colorado
Final Score: 5.85
Colorado reports 110 fatal and 22,133 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers, positioning it with relatively lower workplace injury rates. Despite this, the state continues to emphasize safety measures, evident from its Google search trend rate of 9 per 100,000 workers.
3. California
Final Score: 6.72
With 692 fatal and 28,457 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers, California demonstrates efforts towards maintaining workplace safety. Its Google search trend rate of 7 per 100,000 workers indicates ongoing public interest in safety protocols and measures.
4. Georgia
Final Score: 6.86
Georgia experiences 282 fatal and 22,133 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers, indicating relatively lower workplace injury rates compared to other states. The state's Google search trend rate of 2 per 100,000 workers suggests a need for increased awareness and emphasis on safety practices.
5. Illinois
Final Score: 9.49
Illinois reports 261 fatal and 25,295 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers, positioning it with lower workplace injury rates. Despite this, the state maintains vigilance in safety measures, as indicated by its Google search trend rate of 12 per 100,000 workers.
6. Hawaii
Final Score: 10.86
Hawaii faces 27 fatal and 8,695 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers, reflecting relatively lower workplace injury rates. The state's commitment to safety is evident, with a Google search trend rate of 23 per 100,000 workers, indicating ongoing public awareness and concern.
7. Florida:
Final Score: 12.12
With 559 fatal and 22,133 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers, Florida maintains a stance towards workplace safety. Its Google search trend rate of 14 per 100,000 workers underscores the importance of continuous improvement in safety protocols.
8. Massachusetts
Final Score: 12.34
Massachusetts records 99 fatal and 18,971 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers, reflecting relatively lower workplace injury rates. The state's commitment to safety is evident, with a Google search trend rate of 28 per 100,000 workers, indicating ongoing public interest in safety practices.
9. Ohio
Final Score: 12.56
Ohio experiences 249 fatal and 17,391 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers, positioning it with lower workplace injury rates. The state maintains vigilance in safety measures, as indicated by its Google search trend rate of 21 per 100,000 workers.
10. New Jersey
Final Score: 15.29
New Jersey reports 166 fatal and 26,876 non-fatal injuries per 100,000 workers, reflecting relatively lower workplace injury rates. The state's Google search trend rate of 25 per 100,000 workers suggests a growing awareness and interest in improving workplace safety.
Methodology
- Data Sourcing & Analysis
- Fatal Workplace Injuries: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provided data on fatal workplace injuries.
- Non-Fatal Workplace Injuries: Non-fatal workplace injury data was obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), specifically from the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII).
The total number of fatal and non-fatal injuries reported for each state was divided by the total number of workers in that state, expressed per 100,000 workers.
- Google Search Trends: Google search volume data related to workplace injuries was extracted using Google Trends.
Google search volume data per 100,000 workers was analyzed to understand the relative interest and awareness of workplace injuries among the general public in each state.
- Ranking
Each state's final score was calculated based on a combination of fatal and non-fatal injury rates and Google search volume. The formula for the final score was devised to give equal weight to each component, ensuring a balanced evaluation.
States were ranked based on their final scores, with lower scores indicating better performance and higher scores representing the highest injuries in terms of workplace safety.
By following this methodology, the analysis ensures a comprehensive and objective assessment of workplace safety across different states in the United States.