Oklahoma Occupational Health Indicators, 2003

Executive Summary

Work-related injuries, deaths, and illnesses substantially impact Oklahoma's civilian workforce of 1.6 million persons. These incidents involve multiple risk factors, including workplace procedures and design, work organization, worker characteristics, economics, and a variety of social factors. Although many of these incidents are preventable, they continue to occur and affect the physical, mental, and economic status of Oklahoma workers and their businesses. By collecting data on the magnitude and occurrence of work-related incidents, prevention programs can be targeted to reduce exposures.

In 2003, 100 persons died as a result of a work-related injury, and there were more than 48,000 work-related injuries and illnesses reported by employers of persons working in the private sector. More than 13,000 cases involved days away from work, including almost 7000 with more than 10 days away from work. Ninety persons were reported by their employer to have suffered an amputation that involved days away from work. The Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Court had 94 amputation claims filed in 2003. Almost 4000 Oklahomans who were hospitalized in 2003 had workers' compensation as their primary source of insurance, including 42 persons with work-related burn injuries. The rates of work-related deaths and hospitalizations in Oklahoma were higher than the U.S. rates.

Almost 4500 persons employed in the private sector were reported by their employer to have a musculoskeletal disorder involving days away from work in 2003. Musculoskeletal disorders included sprains, strains, tears, back injuries/pain, soreness, carpal tunnel syndrome, hernia, and any other musculoskeletal system and connective tissue disease. These disorders were due to bending, climbing, crawling, reaching, twisting, overexertion, or repetitive motion. Among the musculoskeletal disorders with days away from work, 1750 involved the back, 1660 the neck, shoulder, and upper extremities, and 240 were due to carpal tunnel syndrome. The Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Court had 318 carpal tunnel syndrome cases filed in 2003. The rates of total musculoskeletal disorders and disorders of the back were lower in Oklahoma than in the U.S. However, the rate for disorders of the neck, shoulder, and upper extremities was higher in Oklahoma. For carpal tunnel syndrome, the state and national rates were the same.

Although occupational lung disease can be prevented by controlling dust exposure through good ventilation or protective equipment, 148 Oklahomans were hospitalized with pneumoconiosis and 12 died in 2003. Among the specified types of pneumoconiosis, 79 persons had asbestosis (9 deaths), 47 had coal workers' pneumoconiosis (1 death), and 21 had silicosis (1 death). All rates of pneumoconiosis were lower in Oklahoma than in the U.S., except silicosis hospitalizations.

The Oklahoma Poison Control Center/American Association of Poison Control Centers received 53 reports of work-related pesticide poisoning in 2003. Workers in certain occupations, especially agriculture, may be exposed to pesticides while preparing them for use, applying them, or entering areas post application. The rate of reported cases in Oklahoma was higher than in the U.S.

In 2003, 28 cases of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos and related fibers, were reported in Oklahoma. Most people diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma are over 50 years of age and are already in an advanced stage of the disease. The Oklahoma rate was lower than the U.S. rate.

Eighty-five Oklahoma adults had an elevated blood lead level greater than or equal to 25 μg/dL and 19 persons had levels greater than or equal to 40 μg/dL. The vast majority of adults with elevated blood lead levels are exposed in their work environment. Workers can also unknowingly expose their family by bringing home lead from the workplace. Oklahoma blood lead rates were lower than U.S. rates.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health is funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to collect fundamental data on occupational hazards, diseases, injuries, and deaths in Oklahoma. Although work-related incidents are likely underreported, information was collected from multiple sources to obtain a more complete profile of important illnesses and injuries affecting Oklahoma's workforce. These indicators serve as an important tool for occupational health surveillance, which is generally inadequate across the U.S. Trends within Oklahoma will be monitored and compared over time to national and other state data and will be used to help inform program and policy planning.

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