The number of workers sickened on the job in Connecticut has declined slightly, according to a new study by UConn. Occupational illnesses in the state, however, remain more prevalent than the national average.
A data analysis by Professor Tim Morse of UConn’s Occupational and Environmental Health Center takes a look at diseases that relate specifically to people’s jobs: things like carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive stress, or lead poisoning from chemical exposure. These can be harder to track than traumatic workplace injuries, because the diseases can occur over a longer time period and be harder to pin directly to workplace conditions.
In 2012, the number of workplace related illnesses went down two percent from the previous year, with 7,129 people in the state reporting being sickened by their work. Musculoskeletal diseases like tendonitis or carpal tunnel are by far the most prevalent types of problems, dominating workers compensation cases in the state. Other issues include respiratory illnesses, hearing loss and skin conditions.
Connecticut remains above the national average for its rate of workplace illness, reporting 21.9 cases per 10,000 workers — eight percent higher than the nation as a whole. The riskiest industries: natural resources and mining, followed by manufacturing.