NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Work-related injuries and illnesses among Louisiana private companies fell to their lowest level in 13 years.
Figures from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reveal the state had two incidents per 100 full-time employees in 2014. Those figures are down from 2.2 in 2013. Louisiana ranked first among 41 states participating in the survey and trailed only the District of Columbia nationally.
The national average was 3.2 incidents.
The biggest safety improvements were in agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, down 9.6 incidents per 100 full-time workers.
Curt Eysink, executive director of the Louisiana Workforce Commission, says workplace safety has become a top priority for Louisiana companies and their employees.
Eysink says the improved numbers have also led to lower costs for workers' compensation insurance in Louisiana.
