| Abstract |
New York State (NYS) is the fourth most populous state, with over 19 million persons residing on over 47,000 square miles of land. With almost nine million full-time employees in 2012, NYS is also home to a varied workforce. Because NYS is so large and diverse, there is a wide spectrum of occupational fatalities, injuries and diseases that occur among the population. An integrated program is necessary to monitor and understand the occupational health status of New Yorkers, and then to prevent future occurrence of occupational diseases and injuries. The systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, dissemination and use of health data is essential to understand the health status of a population, to assess progress, and to plan effective prevention programs. Therefore, the NYS Department of Health’s (NYSDOH) Bureau of Occupational Health and Injury Prevention used the funds from this grant to expand and improve its current occupational health surveillance programs as described below. NYSDOH has effectively collected and publicized all occupational health indicators, and has have been involved in identifying and testing new indicators. Staff participate on national indicator workgroups and have used their expertise to provide guidance and technical assistance on many of the indicators. The data generated are being used to inform communities, occupational health clinics, and local health departments by sharing the data with and through other NYSDOH programs. The data is also being reviewed over time to assist in better understanding trends and issues occurring in New York State. NYSDOH is also exploring state-added indicators using data sources unique or available within NYS. Information from the OHIs was used to influence the 2013-2017 State Prevention Agenda – the blueprint for state and local action to improve the health of New Yorkers. Occupational health, surveillance and intervention has partnered throughout the NYS Department of Health to incorporate occupational health into public health practice. Disparate populations have been reached including workers of low income, undocumented, non-English speakers, and minorities; along with programs affecting infants, teens, and exposed workers. Awareness of prevention for occupational diseases and injuries was increased through NYS, working with other state agencies and localities. The NYS Occupational Health Clinic Network has expanded the ability of the Health Department to improve protections, awareness, and understanding of occupational diseases. |
