Although occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities are largely preventable through efforts such as occupational health surveillance, enforcement, outreach, training, and education, they continue to be significant public health issues.

There have been over 950 fatal work-related injuries in New Jersey from 2010-2020 and represent a fraction of the total work-related injuries over time. Using multiple data sources to track workplace injury and illness, the NJDOH Occupational Health Surveillance Unit develops intervention strategies and practical solutions in an effort to reduce hazards in New Jersey workplaces. There has been a decrease in asbestosis hospitalizations and deaths resulting in a slight decrease in total pneumoconiosis deaths. Also, with a decrease in manufacturing, the closing of a large lead acid battery manufacturing facility, and the implementation of more efficient electronic reporting there has been a downward trend in elevated adult blood lead level cases. It should be noted that 2020 data were likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic as businesses were closed, essential workers may have been ill, or individuals lost their jobs.

Final Assessment

Three of the four Occupational Safety and Health targets were achieved by 2020.

• Targets were achieved for:
  • Construction-related fatalies
  • Pneumoconiosis deaths
  • Occupational lead exposure
• The target was not achieved for overall (all industries) work-related fatalities.

For more information, please refer to these resources:

• NJDOH Occupational Health Surveillance 
• NJLWD Public Safety and Occupational Safety and Health
• NJ Workers' Compensation 
• NJ Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses  
• NJ Fatal Occupational Injuries Surveillance
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)