Occupational Health Surveillance Program

Having safe, steady jobs with fair pay is important for people’s health and well-being. Work affects more than just how much money people earn. It also affects their physical and mental health. When people cannot find steady jobs, work in unsafe places, or work long hours without support, their health can suffer.

In Massachusetts, workplace injuries and illnesses are still a serious problem. Every week, 1 or 2 workers die from job-related injuries. Each year, about 1 out of every 40 full-time workers has a work injury serious enough to need medical care beyond basic first aid.

Workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths can be prevented. When we learn how and why workers get hurt or sick on the job, we can make workplaces safer and healthier. Our public health data helps improve processes, technology, workplace policies, and worker training to keep workers healthy and safe on the job.