California Occupational Health Indicators

Background and Purpose

A health indicator is a numerical value or statistic that helps us measure the state of health in a community or group. Health indicators can be tracked over time to tell us whether our health is getting better or worse, and where we may need to invest prevention resources. Health indicators can be compared with those of other states, the U.S. as a whole, or other countries. Using indicators over time can help us to track our progress toward improving health.

Occupational health indicators are a set of statistics that help explain the current state of worker health. The Occupational Health Branch worked with several other states and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to develop a set of Occupational Health Indicators (“Indicators”). These Indicators are used to measure work-related injuries, illnesses, exposures, and other factors that can influence worker health. Each Indicator was selected because it is important to public health and can be calculated using a data source that is readily available for most states.

Activities

• Annually update the California data for an Employment Demographics Profile and 20 different Occupational Health Indicators;
• Share California Occupational Health Indicators data with other states, the federal government, and others who can influence workplace health and safety;
• Develop “how-to” guides and partner with other states to assist them in generating their own Occupational Health Indicators; and
• Use the Indicators to guide our efforts to prevent workplace injury and illness in California.

California Occupational Health Indicators Data Tables – individual statistics on 20 different indicators

California Occupational Health Indicators full report, 2000-2005 (PDF) | …2003-2008 (PDF) – Employment Demographics Profile and all Indicators (44 pages)