Burden of occupational morbidity from selected causes in the United States overall and by NORA industry sector, 2012: A conservative estimate

Abstract

BackgroundTimely and reliable national estimates of the occurrence of occupational injury and illness are needed to monitor the burden of occupational morbidity and mortality, establish research and intervention priorities, and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of prevention efforts.MethodsWe provide updated estimates of morbidity from occupational injuries and selected illnesses, using current general population incidence rates, the proportion of the general public with a particular workplace exposure, and the relative risk of illness from that exposure. We provide estimates for the total U.S. working population and for specific industry sectors.ResultsWe estimate that, in 2012, between 5 712 362 and 5 961 620 total occupational cases, including 0.7 to 1.0 million incident illnesses and 5.0 million injuries, occurred in the United States.ConclusionThe variety of disparate data sources and methods required to compile these estimates highlight the need for more comprehensive and compatible occupational health surveillance in the United States.

Epidemiology of occupational injuries among insured workers in Saudi Arabia between 2004 and 2016

“…Around the world work-related diseases and occupational injuries have been estimated to cause 2.3 million deaths (2 and 0.3, respectively) every year with an economic cost between 1.8 and 6.0 % (average 4 %) of gross domestic product ( 1 ). Adding absenteeism and productivity decreases ( 2 ) to the unfortunate score gives an even better idea about the significance of occupational injury burden on the society ( 3 , 4 ). In industrial countries, however, improved prevention and structural modifications have brought down this number of occupational injuries ( 5 ).…”

“…In industrial countries, however, improved prevention and structural modifications have brought down this number of occupational injuries ( 5 ). The road towards this goal starts with the collection and analysis of occupational injury data ( 4 , 6 , 7 ). Arab countries seem to lag behind in this respect, most likely due to lack of awareness, regional data ( 7 , 8 ), and analysis.…”

Measuring the benefits of occupational safety and health research with economic metrics: Insights from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

“…We have reasonable data on injury rates showing a long‐term decline that has been dramatic, but we lack similar data on change in rates of occupational illnesses. Individual occupational illness cases are not usually documented, and our estimates of their incidence are based on the estimated work‐attributable fraction of the overall incidence of these illnesses, the changes in which have been driven mainly by factors outside the workplace 17 . Data might possibly be assembled on the history of occupational safety and health investments, but this is a challenging task that has not been undertaken.…”

Lifetime Prevalence of Self-Reported Work-Related Health Problems Among U.S. Workers — United States, 2018

“…Workplace injury and illness prevention programs are needed to prevent work-related health problems, such as back pain, and reduce the number of health problems in higher-risk industries such as construction. account for limitations in the BLS's scope and incorporating attributable fractions to estimate additional types of workrelated illnesses and injuries but was still limited to annual incidence estimates (9). The current study uniquely estimates lifetime (or cumulative) work-related morbidity and provides complementary industry and occupation-specific estimates of total nonfatal work-related health problems among currently working adults in the United States.…”