Industry Spotlight: Chemical manufacturing

Establishments in the chemical manufacturing industry make a range of products, including synthetic fibers, fertilizer, acids, paint and soap. The industry employed more than 800,000 workers in 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That year, employees sustained approximately 19,300 nonfatal injuries and illnesses, 5,560 of which required days away from work. The overall injury rate was 2.4 per 100 full-time workers, which is consistent with 2010 and 2009 rates.