Longest work absences result from repetitive motion

April 04, 2003

Repetitive motion, such as grasping tools, scanning groceries, and typing, resulted in the longest absences from work among the leading events and exposures in 2001—a median of 18 days.

Median number of days away from work, by event or exposure leading to occupational injury or illness, 2001
[Chart data—TXT]

Since 1992, the median days of absence for this event has ranged from a low of 15 to a high of 20.

The next longest median absence in 2001 (11 days) was due to falls to lower levels, followed by transportation accidents (10 days). Falls on the same level and overexertion each had a median of 7 days.

These data are from the BLS Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities program. Additional information is available from "Lost-Worktime Injuries and Illnesses: Characteristics and Resulting Days Away From Work, 2001", news release USDL 03-138.

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SUGGESTED CITATION

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, The Editor's Desk, Longest work absences result from repetitive motion on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2003/mar/wk5/art05.htm (visited June 19, 2013).

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