Workplace Injury Statistics in New York: 2012 to 2022

Workplace injuries affect thousands of New Yorkers every year. Reviewing the numbers from the past decade highlights how often injuries occur, which jobs carry the greatest risks, and how trends have shifted over time.

Workplace Injuries in New York: A Decade in Review

In 2012, private industry employers in New York reported about 146,000 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, equal to a rate of 2.5 cases per 100 full-time workers . That was lower than the national average of 3.4.

Among state and local government workers, about 69,000 cases were reported in 2012, with a rate of 7.0 per 100 workers , much higher than the national public sector average of 5.6. Nearly 78% of those cases involved local government employees, including police, firefighters, sanitation workers, and other frontline staff.

By 2022, the numbers showed modest improvement. Private industry employers in New York reported about 138,900 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, at a rate of 2.2 cases per 100 full-time workers, again slightly lower than the national average of 2.7.

Trends Over the Last 10 Years

• Slight overall decline: Reported cases dropped only about 5% from 2012 to 2022.

• COVID-19 impact: In 2020, cases dipped to about 129,000 due to shutdowns, but illness-related reports (including COVID-19) increased.

• High-risk industries remain consistent: Healthcare, transportation, warehousing, and construction continue to report the most injuries.

• Public sector rates stay high: Local government workers face injury risks well above those in private industry .

FAQs

How common are workplace injuries in New York?
In 2022, there were about 138,900 reported cases in private industry, compared to about 146,000 in 2012 .

Which jobs have the highest injury rates?
Healthcare, transportation, warehousing, construction, and local government occupations consistently report higher injury rates.

Did COVID-19 affect workplace injury numbers?
Yes. Reported cases declined in 2020 due to shutdowns, but illness-related cases increased as new occupational health risks emerged.

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This blog from Pain and Injury is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Recovery is not guaranteed, and each patient’s results may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for a personalized care plan.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – New York workplace injuries 2012 release
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – New York workplace injuries 2022 release
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – COVID-19 impact on workplace illness and injury