Nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses have decreased in New Jersey from 2017 to 2023, a report by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) reveals. The study conducted by NJDOL's Office of Research and Information indicates that approximately 87,300 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported in both sectors in 2023, with an incidence rate of 2.6 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers. This is an improvement from 2017's 92,200 cases and a rate of 2.9.
In 2023, private sector employers in New Jersey documented about 66,800 nonfatal cases, down from 71,700 in 2017. The incidence rate also fell from 2.6 to 2.3 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers. New Jersey's private sector workplace injuries and illnesses rate was slightly below the national average of 2.4 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers in 2023.
The public sector reported around 20,500 nonfatal injuries and illnesses in both 2023 and 2017. While the incidence rate in the public sector remains higher than in the private sector due to hazardous occupations such as those involving police officers and firefighters, it improved slightly, decreasing from 5.2 to 5.0 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers.
This data is part of the federal government's Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII), a project by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics conducted through cooperative agreements with states. NJDOL surveys public and private employers across the state on workplace safety and health as part of this initiative.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, out of the 66,800 injury and illness cases reported in New Jersey's private industry in 2023, 43,700 were more severe, involving days away from work, job transfer, or restriction during recovery. These DART cases occurred at a rate of 1.5 per 100 full-time workers, consistent with the national rate.
