U.S. Semiconductor Workplaces Far Safer Than National Average

by Semiconductor Industry Association

The U.S. semiconductor industry continues to enjoy a strong workplace safety record, with a significantly lower rate of on-the-job injuries and illnesses than the overall U.S. economy.

According to the most recent data available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the injury and illness rate for the U.S. semiconductor industry was 1.2 cases per 100 workers in 2012, while the overall incidence rate for all U.S. employers was more than three times higher (3.7) (see table below). The disparity was even greater for workplace injuries alone; the rate of injuries for the U.S. semiconductor industry was 0.9 cases per 100 workers, while the rate for all U.S. employers was 3.5.

Over the long-term, the U.S. semiconductor industry’s workforce health and safety performance continues to improve. For example, in 2002 the injury and illness rate for the U.S. semiconductor industry was 1.9 cases per 100 workers.

The U.S. semiconductor industry continues to work hard to further improve its workforce health and safety record. Since 2000, SIA has conducted a detailed workforce injury and illness survey of its members in order to better benchmark and measure annual progress in workforce safety. While the industry is proud of its workforce safety record, continuing to improve worker health and safety will remain a priority for the industry and SIA.

Table
Employer Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses. Comparison of Cases of Injury and Illness among Workers in the U.S. Semiconductor Industry and Overall U.S. Industry, 2012

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor
Note: Rates are per 100 equivalent full-time workers
Note: U.S. semiconductor industry = NAICS 334413; Overall U.S. Industry excludes farms of fewer than 11 employees.