Recordkeeping

DAFW injuries decline, BLS says

The number of injuries requiring days away from work declined 9 percent in 2009, likely because of the recession, according to the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What does DAFW stand for?

Days Away From Work

Days away from work is one of several criteria that make an injury or illness recordable under OSHA recordkeeping guidelines.

The report, released Tuesday, states that the number of nonfatal injury and illness cases requiring at least one DAFW dropped to 1.24 million in the private industry and state and local governments. The total incidence rate fell 5 percent to 117 cases per 10,000 full-time workers.

Although the overall DAFW rates declined, several industries saw their rates increase, including registered nurses, light or delivery service truck drivers, landscapers and groundskeepers, and restaurant cooks.

The report is the third in a series that BLS releases every year. On Oct. 21, BLS released data covering nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses. Preliminary workplace fatality data was released Aug. 19.

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