Total Number of Reported Work Injuries Down, According to Statistical Report

On May 28, 2014, the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court released its annual statistical report. The report summarizes information provided to the Court by employers and insurers regarding work-related injuries and illnesses that occurred during calendar years 2004 through 2013.

With the exception of 2010 in which a slight rise was seen, the number of reported work-related injuries has been declining steadily since 2004. 39,422 work-related injuries were reported for 2013, whereas 2012 saw 41,614 injuries. 52,367 injuries were reported in 2004.

The statistics also show that the age group with the highest number of work-related injuries in 2013 was ages 20-29 years at 9,036 reported injuries, or 23% of the total injuries reported. The next highest age group is 50-59 years at 8,648 (22%), followed by 30-39 years at 8,294 (21%), and 40-49 years at 8,182 (21%). Additionally, 15,084 injuries (38%) were reported by females, 20,192 (51%) were reported by males, and 4,146 did not specify a gender.

In 2013, the vast majority of work-related injuries occurred to claimants’ upper extremities (13,904, or 35%). Other injuries were mostly caused to claimants’ backs (4,966, or 13%), lower extremities (4,731, or 12%), or heads (4,190, or 11%). The majority of injuries occurred in the manufacturing industry, with 7,811 injuries, or 20%. The health care & social assistance industry had the next-highest amount of injuries at 5,657, or 14%.

The statistical report can be viewed at https://www.wcc.ne.gov/publications/statisticalreport_04-13.pdf. For more information on the statistical data and what it means for employers and insurers, contact Sara Hughes at (402) 475-1075.