Official Site of The State of New JerseyNJ Labor Department Survey Shows Decrease in Workplace Injuries and Illnesses
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2025
TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has announced a decline in the rate of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses from 2017 to 2023 across both public and private sectors in the state, as captured by the latest Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII). Since 1972, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has collected data through the SOII, which has been a cornerstone in monitoring workplace safety, stemming from the landmark Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970.
According to the survey conducted by NJDOL’s Office of Research and Information, there were approximately 87,300 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in New Jersey’s public and private sectors in 2023, with an incidence rate of 2.6 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers. This reflects an improvement from 2017, which reported 92,200 cases at a rate of 2.9.
“Workplace safety is about protecting people, our state’s greatest asset,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “During the Murphy administration, we have worked with employers to reduce injury and illness rates – even through a global pandemic – by implementing proactive safety measures that are a testament to our shared commitment to protect New Jersey workers.”
In 2023, the private sector reported about 66,800 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, marking a decline from the 71,700 cases recorded in 2017. This improvement is reflected in the incidence rate, which decreased from 2.6 to 2.3 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers. The public sector saw around 20,500 nonfatal injuries and illnesses reported in both 2023 and 2017. While the incidence rate is higher than in the private sector, as this sector includes hazardous occupations such as police officers and firefighters, it showed a slight improvement, decreasing from 5.2 to 5.0 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers.
NJDOL’s Division of Public Safety and Occupational Safety and Health (PSOSH) provides several programs and services to help reduce safety risks in both the public and private sectors. Notably, the Occupational Safety and Health On-Site Consultation Program offers free evaluations to help employers identify and mitigate workplace hazards. Additionally, the Occupational Safety Training Program provides no-cost assistance in creating customized training programs that educate both employees and employers on how to maintain safe and healthy work spaces.
Under PSOSH, the Office of Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health (OPEOSH) investigates complaints regarding workplace safety hazards in the public sector and is responsible for enforcing the New Jersey Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health (NJPEOSH) Act. PEOSH’s proactive inspections, targeted safety initiatives, and timely safety alerts highlight the state’s commitment to public sector employee safety.
The state works closely with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which enforces safety policies and provides resources to enhance workplace safety in the private sector. Through programs like the Voluntary Protection Programs, the Strategic Partnership Program, and the Alliance Program, OSHA promotes a cooperative approach to safety.
“Ensuring the safety of New Jersey’s workforce is a collaborative effort, and we’re grateful to our teams and partners for their dedication to keeping workers safe and healthy on the job,” added PSOSH Assistant Commissioner Justin Baker. “By complying with our focused initiatives and safety alerts, New Jersey employers are helping us cultivate a culture that protects workers, strengthens businesses and enriches our communities.”
To view the complete report, click here.
For more information on the NJDOL’s Division of Public Safety and Occupational Safety and Health, visit: nj.gov/labor/safetyandhealth/
