Workplace Injuries in Maryland: 13 Jobs Most Likely to Hurt You

ANNAPOLIS, MD — There were roughly 65,000 injuries and illnesses reported at Maryland workplaces in 2015, down from 68,600 the previous year, according to new data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The rate of injury was only slightly higher than the national average of three injuries for every 100 workers.

Among private employers, Maryland saw 50,400 injuries and illnesses, a decrease from 52,400 in 2014.

Construction-related injuries and illness increased significantly to roughly 5,000, up 25 percent from the previous year. The rate of injuries was highest among roofing contractors, at 10.3 injuries for every 100 workers. That was followed by steel and concrete contractor injuries at a rate of more than six of every 100 workers.

There were significant reductions in injuries related to beverage manufacturing and warehouse and storage.

The industries reporting the lowest rate of injuries or illnesses were finance and insurance, as well as professional, scientific and technical services.

The new data does not include workplace fatalities in 2015. Those numbers will be released in December.

Here are the 13 industries and professions with the highest rate of injury or illness in Maryland:

• Public nursing and residential care facilities: 19.2 injuries for every 100 workers
• Public hospitals: 18.7 injuries for every 100 workers
• Local fire protection: 14.2 injuries for every 100 workers
• Air transportation: 13.7 injuries for every 100 workers
• Heavy and civil engineering construction: 13.5 injuries for every 100 workers
• Roofing contractors: 10.3 injuries for every 100 workers
• Public administration: 9.3 injuries for every 100 workers
• Couriers and messengers: 8.7 injuries for every 100 workers
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation: 8.5 injuries for every 100 workers
• Transit and ground passenger transportation: 8.4 injuries for every 100 workers
• State police protection: 7.3 injuries for every 100 workers
• Waste management and remediation services: 7.1 injuries for every 100 workers
• Animal slaughtering and processing: 7 injuries for every 100 workers

See the complete data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Photo: U.S. Department of Labor