Connecticut workplaces saw fewer occupational illnesses in 2012, but the rate of employee health issues in the state still remains above the national average, according to an analysis by UConn Health.
There were 7,129 Connecticut workplace illness cases reported in 2012, down from 7,265  in 2011.
Overall, there were 21.9 employee illnesses in the state per 10,000 workers, which was 8 percent higher than the national rate. That compares to 27.8 illnesses per 10,000 in 2011, which was 35 percent higher than the national average.
The community with the highest rate of occupational illness was Farmington, with 15.3 illnesses per 1,000 workers. Hartford ranked fourth at 6.8 illnesses per 1,000. The state average was 3.7.
Manufacturing was the sector with the most reported injuries and illnesses, the bulk of which were musculoskeletal disorders and hearing loss.
Correction: Due to reporter error, the original version of this story incorrectly said that reported occupation injuries increased in 2012 compared to 2011. The number of reported illnesses and injuries actually decreased by 2 percent.
