The Nation - News from Nov. 16, 1988

The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced in Washington that the rate of workplace injuries and illnesses increased 5% from 1986 to 1987, with 8.3 injuries and illnesses per 100 workers, up from 7.9 per 100 workers. The total number of injuries and illnesses in 1987 was 6.03 million, up from 5.63 million in 1986, the bureau said. Janet L. Norwood, commissioner of labor statistics, said the increase was mainly in mining, manufacturing, transportation and public utilities. Although the rate dropped among construction workers, the building industry continued to have the highest rate among the major divisions--14.7 injuries and illnesses per 100 workers.