illness or disorder rate of 5.7 cases per 100 equivalent full-time workers was the lowest rate since BLS began reporting in 1973 (Table A-11 in Appendix A presents incidence rates of occupational injuries and illnesses for private industry by selected case types, for 1973–2001). Of the 5.2 million total nonfatal injuries and illnesses or disorders, about 2.6 million (2.8 cases per 100 full time workers) were lost workday cases, requiring recuperation away from work or restricted duties at work, or both. These injuries and illnesses or disorders occur in a wide range of industries and occupations (see Table 6-1) as a result of exposure to a wide range of hazards (see Table 6-2).

Of the 5.2 million nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses or disorders in 2001, 4.9 million were injuries. Eight industries accounted for about 1.4 million injuries, or 29 percent of the total (see Table 6-3). There were about 333,800 newly reported cases of occupational illnesses or disorders