Workplace injuries and illnesses in Indiana have fallen to a historic low. The Indiana Department of Labor report was released Monday.
2013 was the second year in a row that nonfatal injury and illness hit a record low.
The agriculture industry saw the biggest decline - 50 percent fewer injuries and illnesses from 2012.
All that’s thanks to the culture of safety that’s developed in many companies across the state – according to Bob Dittmer with the Indiana Department of Labor.
First the department itself - Dittmer says although the DOL has not significantly increased safety regulations, it encourages employers and employees to pay attention to safety issues.
Next, Dittmer says employers play a big role, with solutions that can be as simple as training and awareness.
“ Activities in the workplace can save people time, and people are their most expensive asset," says Dittmer. "So when they’re injured or sick on the job, they’re not there working and they’re not there making profit for the company. So companies have begun to realize that this is a profit center for them, to have their employees safe and secure.”
Finally Dittmer says employees have recognized that they are part of the solution, and must identify safety issues, and bring them to management’s attention.