Injury and Illness Rates for Government Jobs

Workplace safety data shows that many of the most dangerous jobs are found in government.

Labor Department data indicates that there were about 5.1 cases of injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time workers reported by state and local governments in 2015. Occupations recording the highest injury and illness rates include nursing and residential care facilities, police and fire personnel.

The table below lists nonfatal occupational injury and illness rates for all state and local government industries with published data. Rates for only the more serious cases involving days away from work, job transfer or restriction, commonly referred to as the DART rate, are shown. Other recordable injuries not resulting in missed days of work are not included in the totals.