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Burden of occupational morbidity from selected causes in the United States overall and by NORA industry sector, 2012: A conservative estimate
Author(s) -
Groenewold Matthew,
Brown Linda,
Smith Emily,
Haring Sweeney Marie,
PanaCryan Rene,
Schnorr Theresa
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.23048
Subject(s) - medicine , environmental health , occupational safety and health , population , public health , incidence (geometry) , injury prevention , occupational injury , poison control , physics , pathology , optics , nursing
Abstract Background Timely 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. Methods We 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. Results We 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. Conclusion The 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.