Internet Explorer 11 is not supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

Workplace Safety Statistics: Injury and Illness Rates for Government Jobs

Occupational injury and illness statistics for public employee jobs

Workplace safety data shows that many of the most dangerous jobs are found in government.

Labor Department data indicates that there were about 5.1 cases of injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time workers reported by state and local governments in 2015. Occupations recording the highest injury and illness rates include nursing and residential care facilities, police and fire personnel.

The table below lists nonfatal occupational injury and illness rates for all state and local government industries with published data. Rates for only the more serious cases involving days away from work, job transfer or restriction, commonly referred to as the DART rate, are shown. Other recordable injuries not resulting in missed days of work are not included in the totals.



Industry Gov. Sector 2015 Rate 2014 Rate 2013 Rate
State government total State 1.9 2.1 2.1
Educational and health services State 1.7 1.9 1.9
Colleges, universities, and professional schools State 0.8 0.9 0.9
Health care and social assistance State 4.3 4.6 4.4
Hospitals State 4.6 4.7 4.2
Nursing and residential care facilities State 7.4 7.9 8.7
Public administration State 2.0 2.3 2.1
Justice, public order, and safety activities State 3.3 3.3 3.1
Police protection State 3.5 3.3  
Correctional institutions State 4.4 4.5 4.3
Local government total Local 2.5 2.3 2.4
Goods-producing Local 4.1 4.2 3.9
Construction Local 4.1 4.2 3.9
Trade, transportation, and utilities Local 4.2 3.6 4.4
Transportation and warehousing Local 4.8 4.5 4.8
Utilities Local 3.6 2.7 4.0
Water, sewage and other systems Local 4.2 2.7 4.4
Educational and health services Local 1.9 1.6 1.6
Elementary and secondary schools Local 1.9 1.5 1.6
Health care and social assistance Local 2.2 2.4 2.3
Hospitals Local 2.0 2.2 2.3
Nursing and residential care facilities Local 4.6 5.2 4.9
Public administration Local 3.4 3.4 3.5
Justice, public order, and safety activities Local 5.1 4.8 5.1
Police protection Local 5.5 5.0 5.1
Fire protection Local 6.7 7.6 7.3

Industries defined by North American Industry Classification System. See injury and illness definitions.
SOURCE: BLS Industry injury and illness data, summary table 1
 

Special Projects