Fatal and non-fatal animal-related injuries and illnesses to workers, United States, 2011-2014

Background

Study provides update of national estimates for work-related fatal injuries and non-fatal injuries and illnesses by animals in US.

Methods

Between 2011 and 2014, injuries and illnesses were retrieved from US Department of Labor and were translated to economic losses using National Safety Council estimates.

Results

Total of 222 fatalities (36% by cattle and other bovines) and 71 460 non-fatal injuries and illnesses (38% by insects, arachnids, mites) were identified from animal sources. For non-fatal injuries and illnesses from primary animal sources, annual incidence rates were 1.5-1.6/10 000 full-time workers and annual median days lost from work were 3-4 days. Work-related costs were $222M for fatalities and $2.8B for non-fatal injuries and illnesses that resulted in at least 1 day lost from work.

Conclusions

Study provides evidence of specific animals contributing to more severe injuries and potential for more severe injuries when there is more than one source of injury.

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