Department of Labor Issues Two Reports on Workplace Injuries

November 19, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 19, 2013
Contact: Julie Rabinowitz, 207-621-5009

Reports focus on injuries sustained by emergency responders assisting ill persons and injuries from slipping on ice

AUGUSTA?The Research and Statistics Unit of the Bureau of Labor Standards has released two new reports that look at workplace injuries.

?These reports can help business owners and local governments make improvements that protect Maine?s workers,? explained Governor Paul R. LePage. ?By paying attention to the routine events that often lead to injury, we can reduce the number of people injured on the job.?

The first report, ?Injuries Incurred by Maine?s EMTs, EMT/Firefighters and Paramedics Due to Lifting, Transporting or Assisting Injured or Ill Persons (2012),? examines the types of injuries sustained by emergency responders in the common actions taken to assist people who are ill or hurt. These injuries occurred with and without the use of mobility or lift assistance equipment.

The second report, ?Slipping and Falling on Ice ? A Serious Workplace Hazard, Injuries to Maine Workers, 2012?2013,? includes data about the physical effects the injured employees sustained; the financial burdens injuries place on employees, employers and insurance carriers; and factors that might affect the frequency of these accidents.

Both reports, located at http://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_stats/research.html , use data provided by the Maine Workers? Compensation Board (WCB) illness and injury claims database.

The Department of Labor?s Research and Statistics Unit manages and analyzes data on workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses and issues summary reports that help employers identify areas for improvements in safety and health protection. Their reports and data visualizations using Tableau are located on the department?s website at http://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_stats/research.html .

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