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 0.7–1.0 million incident illnesses and 5.0 million injuries, occurred in the U.S.

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 U.S.