Economic burden of occupational non-fatal injuries in wholesale and retail trade sectors

Background: The Wholesale and Retail Trade (WRT) sector together employed about 2,000,000 workers in 2011. Although the work performed in the WRT sector is considered to be low in risk of injury, the sector has businesses large and small that pose a high risk of injury. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the WRT sector experienced more than one injury per 100 full-time workers (requiring days away from work) in 2011. Purpose: This study estimates the economic burden of occupational non-fatal injuries in WRT sector and examines how they vary by body parts injured and nature of injury. Data/Methodology: Data on injuries are obtained from BLS and Workers' Compensation costs (indemnity and medical) data are obtained from National Council on Compensation Insurance. Trend analyses are conducted using these data for the years 2003 through 2007 to examine how the numbers, rates, and economic burden of occupational non-fatal injuries varied over the years in the WRT sector. Results: Preliminary results show that the number of non-fatal injuries decreased from 263,720 in 2003 to 242,020 in 2007 and the rates decreased too during this time period. Average medical costs and average indemnity costs were reduced. The average medical costs and average indemnity costs are highest for amputations and neck injuries. Conclusion: This study is the first attempt to estimate the economic burden of non-fatal occupational injuries in the WRT sector and found that though the numbers of injuries and the associated costs have decreased over the time, yet they remain high.