Each year the New York State Department of Civil Service writes a report detailing injuries at each state agency. However, there is no statutory requirement that the agencies actually incorporate lessons from the report into management plans preventing such injuries in the year to come. The State Workforce Injury Act, A.9724 (Lancman)/S.7500 (Addabbo) would require each state agency to examine its workplace injury report and collaborate with employee representatives to develop plans to reduce on-the-job injuries and illnesses. The NYS AFL-CIO, the Public Employee Federation, the Civil Service Employee Association, the NYS Law Enforcement Officers Union, and the New York Committee on Occupational Safety and Health support the State Workforce Injury Reduction Act because the Act would both reduce injuries and save the state money by lowering workers' compensation costs, minimizing lost sick days and lowering the cost of recruitment and training. The AFL-CIO and the Public Employee Federation predict that this legislation could generate up to $45 million in savings.

Workers need more support than ever to stay safe and healthy on the job as budgets are being cut, while at the same time workloads are increasing. The State Workforce Injury Reduction Act is win-win legislation. The Act would save the state money while reducing harm for workers.