Listen to this article

A new report from the labor department reveals a positive trendline in workplace safety here in the Garden State.

The New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development‘s Office of Research and Information conducted the survey, examining data from 2017 to 2023.

Key findings include:

• In 2023, the state’s public and private sectors recorded 87,300 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses with an incidence rate of 2.6 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers;
  • Marks an improvement from 2017 (92,200 cases, 2.9 incidence rate)
• Private sector reported 66,800 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2023, down from 71,700 cases in 2017
  • The incidence rate declined from 2.6 to 2.3 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers
• Public sector reported 20,500 nonfatal injuries and illnesses in both 2023 and 2017
  • Higher incidence rate than private sector because this includes dangerous occupations (police officer, firefighters); however, declined from 2017 (5.2 cases per 100 workers) to 2023 (5.0 cases)
• Highest industry incidence rates reported in private sector:
  • Transportation and warehousing
  • Health care and social assistance
  • Retail trade

“Workplace safety is about protecting people, our state’s greatest asset,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo.

A shared commitment

The labor department notes a number of efforts on this front, such as:

• The Occupational Safety and Health On-Site Consultation Program;
• The Office of Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PSOSH) investigating complaints regarding workplace safety hazards – as well as inspections, safety initiatives and alerts;
• The state working closely with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

“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,” said Asaro-Angelo.

PSOSH Assistant Commissioner Justin Baker also said that ensuring the safety of New Jersey’s workforce is a collaborative effort.

“And we’re grateful to our teams and partners for their dedication by keeping workers safe and healthy on the job,” said 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.”

The full report is available here.