Fatal occupational injuries in US industries, 1984: comparison of two national surveillance systems

Abstract

This paper compares the results of analyses of 1984 fatalities as identified in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Traumatic Occupational Fatality (NTOF) data base with those of the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Annual Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (AS) for 1984. The fatality rates for industries were similar in both analyses; however, differences in number of injuries suggest underrepresentation in the AS of fatal injuries in several, high-risk industries. Differences and similarities in methods and results between the two national surveillance systems are described and their application to research and injury prevention are discussed.