Workplace injuries across the state fell close to a 40-year low in 2010, according to a report issued Friday by The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

Workers suffered 3.9 nonfatal injuries for every 100 workers on the job, officials found after sampling injury records from 4,700 employers. The survey excluded federal agencies.

Minnesota's injury rate is up from 3.8 in 2009 but down significantly from the 5.1 figure reported for 2005.

In all, the state had 76,700 injuries last year, compared to 104,100 in 2005. The 2010 injuries proved the second-lowest rate since 1972.

"We are encouraged by these results," said Labor and Industry Commissioner Ken Peterson. "They are a positive sign that more workers continue to make safety and health an integral part of their day to day operations."

Nationwide, workers suffered a rate of about 3.8 injuries per 100 employees.

Other results from the Minnesota survey:

  • In 2010, 37,200 injuries resulted in days off work, job transfers or work restrictions. That's 1.9 people for every 100 workers.
  • An estimated 1.1 cases per every 100 workers had to take one or more days off work because of injuries.
  • Industries with the highest injury and illness rates were: transportation and warehousing (5.8 cases/100); healthcare and social assistance (5.6) and construction (5.3).