Analyzing the Impact of Workplace Injuries Across Key U.S. Industries
Recent national analysis by The Schiller Kessler Group reveals alarming statistics regarding workplace injuries in industries vital to the U.S. supply chain. The study indicates that there were 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported in the latest year, with nearly 1 million cases serious enough to necessitate days away from work. For detailed insights, click here.
Understanding the Risks in High-Injury Industries
This comprehensive report delves into the concentration of risk and the ongoing impact of these injuries on productivity and daily operations. It underscores the physically demanding nature of many supply-chain roles, which encompass tasks such as warehouse picking, loading, and activities within manufacturing lines and retail stockrooms.
While health care is the industry with the highest number of injuries, key supply-chain sectors like manufacturing, retail, transportation and warehousing, and wholesale trade also represent a significant portion of the injuries. The findings are based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Rank | Industry | Total Injuries |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Health Care & Social Assistance | 562,500 |
| 2 | Manufacturing | 355,800 |
| 3 | Retail Trade | 353,900 |
| 4 | Transportation & Warehousing | 279,800 |
| 5 | Accommodation & Food Services | 247,200 |
| 6 | Construction | 167,700 |
| 7 | Wholesale Trade | 156,400 |
| 8 | Administrative & Waste Services | 149,700 |
| 9 | Professional & Business Services | 134,900 |
| 10 | Ambulatory Health Care Services | 133,100 |
Analyzing the Financial Impact of Workplace Injuries
Beyond the human cost, the financial implications of workplace injuries are profound. According to the report, the National Safety Council estimates that the total annual expense of work-related injuries exceeds $167 billion. This figure encompasses various factors including medical expenses, lost wages, administrative costs, and decreases in productivity—translating to approximately $1.2 million lost every hour.
For supply chain operators, the financial toll manifests in several ways:
- Increased workers’ compensation and insurance rates.
- Lost workdays coupled with unplanned overtime.
- Delays in operations, unmet service levels, and order backlogs.
- Additional hiring and training costs when experienced employees exit.
The report emphasizes that the average cost per disabling injury to employers is around $44,000, with severe incidents costing significantly more, especially when they require extended time away from work.
