NIOSH: Best Practices: Injuries and Illnesses in the Public Sector Comparing OSHA 18b States vs. Non-18b States

Some States have their own Occupational Safety and Health programs (18b States), which typically include protections for public sector workers, and in other states Federal OSHA, [Non-18b states] which does not apply to public sector workers, governs workplace safety and health. The need for in-depth data analysis on the effects of this difference was cited in a report by OSHA's Office of Inspector General. One of the findings of that report was that "despite limited data available on Federal OSHA states, the BLS statistics show that, overall, public sector workers are experiencing lost workdays equivalent to or higher than private sector workers." This presentation further examines the differences between the two groups and compares public sector to private sector to determine if the differences in injury and illness incidence rates are statistically significant.

Using the most current BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data, cumulative five-year (1995-1999) public sector incidence rates for both 18b States and Non-18b States were calculated (where data were available), along with percentage changes. The study examined the difference in percent changes from within the same sector (both public and private) for 18b States and Non-18b States. The study compares the incidence of Total Recordable Cases, Lost Workday Cases, and Days Away from Work as well as selected events, such as contact with objects; falls on the same level; overexertion; repetitive motion. Measuring change by Case type and event helps identify and communicate the areas of concern for workers' safety. The data from this particular study does so for public sector workers.

Over 8,400,000 public sector workers are not protected by OSHA requirements. What are the implications for the safety of these workers? With Non-18b states having higher rates than the OSHA 18b states in the public sector, should the currently administrated BLS survey be expanded to collect all public sector data in their entirety so that a "complete picture" is available?

Page last updated: 22 December, 2002
Page last reviewed: 22 December, 2002
Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) - Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, And Field Studies (DSHEFS)

Best Practices in Workplace Surveillance

Injuries and Illnesses in the Public Sector Comparing OSHA 18b States vs. Non-18b States