The why and how of monitoring

In recognition of the need for state-based occupational health monitoring programs, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) developed a set of Occupational Health Indicators (OHI), measures of work-related illnesses, injuries and other factors that can be generated using existing state-level data. These data can be used to monitor the health status of working populations, track trends over time and compare state and national data.

Collecting and analyzing data on workplace injuries and illnesses can guide the development of  technologies, educational activities, and policy changes that help to make workplaces safer and healthier. Colorado annually reports updated indicator data for the most recent year it is available (See Data & Monitoring Reports).

More information about state-based worker health surveillance:

• NIOSH What is Surveillance?
• NIOSH Guidelines for Minimum and Comprehensive State-Based Public Health Activities in Occupational Safety and Health 
• CSTE Occupational Health Surveillance Subcommittee
• Indicators for Occupational Health Surveillance (MMWR, 2007)