Non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in Indiana held steady and remained at the lowest rate since 2009, according to an annual state report Thursday.

The Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses revealed the continuation of an 11-year-trend, with the rate moving from 9.5 incidents per 100 workers in 1996 to 4.3 occurrences in 2011.

Indiana’s three major industries that drive the state’s overall rate – manufacturing, government and retail – did not experience an increase in incidents.

Last year was the third consecutive time the injury and illness rate has remained the same.

“The continued low rate of injuries and illnesses of Hoosier workers is good news for our employees and our state, and demonstrates that the safety and health of Hoosier workers continues to be a priority with government, businesses and employees,” said Lori A. Torres, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Labor.

Microsoft rolls out Windows 8 revamp

Microsoft unveiled a radical redesign of its world-dominating Windows operating system Thursday, introducing a touch-enabled interface that attempts to bridge the gap between personal computers and fast-growing mobile devices powered by the company’s fiercest competitors.

The debut of Windows 8 heralded the biggest change to the system since 1995, when the company first offered built-in Internet support.

And with so much riding on it, the overhaul could be Microsoft’s most important product since co-founder Bill Gates won the contract to build an operating system for IBM Corp.’s first personal computer in 1981.

To succeed, the new version will have to be innovative and elegant enough to attract consumers who’ve fallen in love with notebook computers, tablets and smartphones running software from Apple and Google.

The first PCs and other devices running Windows 8 were to go on sale today.

Huntington Theatre gets top state honor

State officials have named the New Huntington Theatre business of the year.

The staff of Indiana Main Street, a program managed by the state Office of Community and Rural Affairs, recognized the Huntington cabaret and its owners, Rich Najuch and Joel Froomkin. The business partners bought the theater, 528 N. Jefferson St., in 2007.

“Downtown districts are the heart of Hoosier cities and towns, and they are a key component of any community’s economic success,” Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman said in a statement.

Since buying the building, Najuch and Froomkin have worked at restoration and used the lobby area of the establishment for dinner shows and other entertainment.

Ford to close plant as Europe losses grow

Ford pressed ahead Thursday with its plan to cut production in Europe, announcing another plant closure and 1,500 more job cuts, as it warned that annual losses in the region will exceed $1.5 billion this year and next.

Ford Motor Co. is struggling in Europe, like many major carmakers, because labor costs are relatively high and plants are too numerous for the demand, which is falling because of the economic crisis. Worries about its European business have hurt Ford’s stock price this year.