State of Montana Newsroom
DLI Releases Latest Statistics on Workplace Injuries and Illness in Montana
HELENA, Mont. — The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) released today the 2024 Montana Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Report, providing an overview of workplace injury and illness trends across the state’s private industry sector.
“This report provides valuable insight into where workplace injuries and illnesses are occurring in Montana and helps guide efforts to improve safety across industries,” said Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of Labor and Industry. “By understanding these trends, employers and workers can take steps to reduce risks and build safer workplaces. This helps fulfill our mission to ensure every worker goes home safe after every shift.”
Key Findings from the 2024 Report
- In 2024, employees of Montana businesses reported 13,200 OSHA-recordable nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses, resulting in an overall incidence rate of 3.4 cases per 100 full-time workers.
- The 2024 injury count decreased slightly from 13,600 cases in 2023, while the overall incidence rate remained unchanged.
- Industries with higher 2024 incidence rates included retail trade (4.6), manufacturing (4.6), and transportation and warehousing (4.5).
- Industries with lower incidence rates included mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (1.6), utilities (1.2), and finance and insurance (0.5).
- The report reflects data collected during the 2024 calendar year* through the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII), a nationwide program conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics in partnership with state agencies. Each year, a sample of Montana employers submits workplace injury and illness data through the survey.
Focus on Prevention and Training
In addition to tracking workplace injuries and illnesses, DLI promotes safety through training and education. The department offers workplace safety training, including OSHA 10-hour courses that help workers recognize hazards and improve jobsite safety. DLI also provides Labor Law Training and Education on topics such as wage and hour laws, prevailing wage requirements, and collective bargaining in the public sector.
Programs such as SafetyFestMT provide free safety training opportunities for workers and employers statewide. The department also supports professional development through the Workers’ Compensation Claims Examiner Certification program, which strengthens expertise in managing workplace injury claims.
Supporting Long-Term Safety Improvements
Montana has participated in the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses for more than 30 years. The data helps track long-term workplace safety trends and support efforts to reduce job-related injuries and illnesses.
The next survey cycle will collect data for the 2025 reference year, with results expected to be released in 2026.
The full 2024 Montana Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Report is available online.
*Because the survey relies on detailed employer reporting and data analysis, results are released after the survey year to allow time for collection, verification, and analysis.