Conn. work injuries reported 11 percent up in '11

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Labor says the number of workplace injuries in Connecticut jumped 11 percent in 2011 over the previous year and that the rate of injury is among the highest in the country.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics said Thursday that 50,600 injury and illness cases in the private industry were reported. More than half were classified as "more severe nature" that required days away from work, job transfer or a work restriction.

The Labor Department says Connecticut's incidence rate of 4.5 cases per 100 full-time workers placed it among 19 states with a rate significantly higher than the U.S. rate of 3.5.

Labor officials did not explain the rise in injuries rose, but said injuries and illnesses can be influenced by the economy, working conditions and work practices, training and hours worked.