Uses of computer-generated maps in occupational hazard and mortality surveillance

Abstract

The purpose of the present paper was to describe five ways in which computer-generated maps for 3,073 United States political subdivisions (counties) are being used as a part of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health surveillance system. Four maps show the approximate spatial location of potential workplace hazards in terms of (i) worksites, (ii) workers, (iii) estimates of the proportion of workers at risk for US counties, and (iv) counties within a selected state. A fifth map shows age-standardized county-level mortality for a cause of death associated with an occupational risk. These five types of maps represent first efforts to present and disseminate information in an effective format and to generate occupational health surveillance leads that may warrant further research.