The number of nonfatal work injuries and illnesses in California rose by more than 25% in 2022 after a lull during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report released Tuesday by the California Workers’ Compensation Institute.
There were 565,900 cases of work-related injuries and illnesses in the state last year compared with around 450,000 each in 2020 and 2021. CWCI researchers attributed the increase to a post-pandemic statewide employment rebound and additional COVID-19 reporting requirements.
The CWCI figures come from the California Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, which was based on reports from public and private employers statewide.
The report noted that the increased nonfatal illness figures in 2022 include COVID-19 cases as recognized occupational illnesses.