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Distribution of days away from work due to workplace injuries and illnesses, 2006

Median days away from work was 7 days for all cases of workplace injuries and illnesses in 2006 requiring days away from work, unchanged since 2004.

[Chart data—TXT]

Almost one-fourth of all cases resulted in 31 days or more away from work.

Fractures resulted in the longest absences (28 days) from work among the leading natures of injury and illness, followed by carpal tunnel syndrome (27 days) and amputations (22 days).

Median days away from work is a key measure of the severity of the injury or illness. This measure of severity designates the point at which half the cases involved more days and half involved fewer days.

These data are from the BLS Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities program. Additional information is available from "Nonfatal Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Requiring Days Away from Work, 2006," news release USDL 07-1741. 

Related TED article:

• Injuries and illness resulting in days away from work by age in 2006

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is an agency within the U.S. Department of Labor.