NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — A federal study shows the rate of workplace injuries dropped last year in Virginia and remained below the national average. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said Thursday that for every 100 full-time workers in private industry, Virginia recorded 2.6 injuries and illnesses in 2013. That’s down from 2.7 in 2012. The Virginian-Pilot reports that the rate fell nationally to 3.3 last year from 3.4 in 2012.In a statement, federal labor officials say they’re encouraged that the rates continue to decline over the past few years, but noted not to ignore the three million workers who suffered injuries last year.
