The 19 occupational health and safety indicators

Occupational Illnesses and Injuries Indicator

Indicator 1: Non-fatal injuries and illnesses reported by employers - This

indicator tracks
work-related injuries or illnesses that result in an employee having to
take time away from work. 
Indicator 2: Work-related hospitalizations Acute and Cumulative Occupational Injuries -
Indicator 3: Fatal work-related injuries - This indicator tracks fatal work related injuries. Fatalities due to
work-related injuries are devastating both for the family of the deceased and the workplace and entail a
huge economic burden.
Indicator 4: Amputations reported by employers - Amputations are preventable and debilitating injuries
that lead to losses in productivity and income. Although work-related amputations, both fatal and non-
fatal, occur less frequently than other work-related injuries, they are often more severe and impact both
the worker and employer more profoundly.
Indicator 5: Amputations identified in state workers’ compensation systems - The employers are
required to provide information on injury or illness cases that result in one or more lost workdays,
restricted work activity, job transfer, loss of consciousness, or require medical treatment (other than
first aid).
Indicator 6: Hospitalizations for work-related burns - To track the incidence of hospitalizations for burns
related to work activity, this indicator utilizes data from hospital discharge records. Many burns result in
disfigurement, often leaving the individual unable to maintain their current position in the workforce.
Indicator 7: Musculoskeletal disorders reported by employers - This indicator measures the number of
individuals reported by employers to have missed days of work due to a musculoskeletal disorder.
Musculoskeletal disorders usually develop due to overuse of
muscles, bad posture, or repeated movement.
Indicator 8: Carpal tunnel syndrome cases identified in state workers’ compensation systems- Carpal
tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the forearm into the hand,
becomes compressed or squeezed while passing through the wrist. Carpal tunnel may occur from
repetitive motion or action, injury or trauma, or overexertion of the wrist in daily operations.
Indicator 9: Pneumoconiosis hospitalizations - Pneumoconiosis refers to a group of interstitial lung
diseases that result from inhalation of dusts, particularly mineral or metal dusts. The primary
pneumoconioses are asbestosis, silicosis, and coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, caused respectively by
asbestos fibers, silica, and coal dust. The dust exposure may lead to inflammation and irreversible
damage of the lung tissue, eventually decreasing lung function.
Indicator 10: Pneumoconiosis mortality - Pneumoconioses are debilitating diseases and may result in
death. Development of pneumoconiosis puts an individual at increased risk of other respiratory
infections or conditions. Despite OSHA standards, reduced exposures, and increased recognition of the
importance of personal respiratory protection, many workers remain at risk of dust-related lung disease
and continuing surveillance of these diseases remains a critical need.
Indicator 11: Acute work-related pesticide poisonings reported to Poison control centers – This
indicator identifies the number and rate of acute work-related poisonings that occur each year due to
pesticide exposure.
Indicator 12: Incidence of malignant mesothelioma occupational exposures - Mesothelioma is a rare
and usually fatal cancer of the lining of the chest (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Occupations
categorized as high risk include plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, electricians, shipyard workers,
railroad workers, and construction workers.
Occupational Exposure and Hazard Indicators
Indicator 13: Elevated blood lead levels among adults occupational Hazards - The majority of cases of
elevated blood lead levels (BLL) among adults are related to a workplace or hobby exposure. Elevated
blood lead may cause damage to the nervous, hematologic, reproductive, renal, cardiovascular, or
gastrointestinal systems.
Indicator 14: Workers employed in industries with high risk for occupational morbidity
Indicator 15: Workers employed in occupations with high risk for occupational morbidity
Indicator 16: Workers employed in industries and occupations with high risk for occupational mortality -
This indicator focuses on the proportion of workers employed in industries and occupations at high risk
for fatal work-related injuries. “High risk” industries and occupations are defined here as those with a
fatal injury rate two-fold or greater than the overall mortality rate
Occupational Intervention Indicators
Indicator 17: Occupational safety and health professionals - This indicator represents the number of
trained and educated professionals available to address the diverse and often unique issues associated
with workplace environments and worker health.
Indicator 18: Occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) enforcement activities - This
indicator uses records detailing the inspection and enforcement activities. However, this may lead to
an over-estimation by the indicator of the number of establishments or employees covered by the
inspections.
Occupational Socioeconomic Indicators
Indicator 19: Workers’ compensation awards - This indicator provides two measures of workers’
compensation benefits; the total amount of benefits paid out each year, and total amount of benefits
divided by the number of workers eligible for workers’ compensation (this is not the same as the
average amount of the individual benefits among workers who filed claims).