The MSDH Occupational Health Surveillance Program will develop a surveillance system to identify work-related injuries and support occupational health.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration considers an injury or illness to be work-related if an event or exposure occurring in a work environment either caused or contributed to the resulting condition, or significantly aggravated a pre-existing condition. Work-related illnesses and injuries can be prevented.
In order to develop effective preventive strategies, comprehensive information is collected to understand the demographic characteristics and occupational risks among Mississippi's workforce.
Program Focus and Anticipated Outcomes
The OHS Program collects data for 21 occupational health indicators. Some of the major indicators are:
- Work-related hospitalizations
- Fatal work-related injuries
- Elevated blood lead levels (BLL) among adults
- State Workers' Compensation claims for carpal tunnel syndrome with lost work time
- Mortality from or with pneumoconiosis
- Acute work-related pesticide-associated illness and injury reported to poison control centers
- Incident of malignant mesothelioma, ages 15 and older
- Percentage of workers employed in industries at high risk for occupational morbidity
- Percentage of workers employed in occupations at high risk for occupational morbidity
- Asthma among adults caused or made worse by work
- Occupational heat-related hospitalizations
The OHS Program, in conjunction with project partners, anticipates the achievement of the following outcomes:
- Public health decision makers and public health users in Mississippi are aware of and have access to occupational health and safety surveillance data.
- Public health decision makers and stakeholders in Mississippi use occupational health surveillance data.
- Enhanced capacity of Mississippi occupational and public health professionals
- Public and occupational health professionals and entities develop and deliver strong informed recommendations, targeted prevention initiatives, and outreach activities throughout the state.
- The health, safety, and quality of life of working Mississippians are improved.
Reports
- Mississippi Occupational Health Indicators 2019
- Mississippi Occupational Health and Safety Surveillance Report 2018
More information on OHS
- Occupational Health Surveillance Program
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - OHS Surveillance Data
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Office of Health Data and Research
Occupational Health Surveillance Program
Mississippi State Department of Health
570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive
Jackson, MS 39216-4538
Phone: 601-576-8165