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NIOSH Programs > Traumatic Injury > Program Description
Traumatic InjuryProgram DescriptionThe mission of the NIOSH traumatic occupational injury research and prevention program is to reduce the incidence of worker injuries and deaths due to trauma through a focused program of research and prevention. The program strives to fulfill its mission through the following:
Acute trauma at work remains a leading cause of death and disability among U.S. workers. Trauma is defined as "an injury or wound to a living body caused by the application of external force or violence." Acute trauma can occur with the sudden, one-time application of force or violence that causes immediate damage to a living body. Traumatic occupational injuries and fatalities occur in all occupational groups and industry sectors, although the highest risks may vary by occupation/sector. For example, falls from elevation occur with higher frequencies and rates in the construction sector than in other major sectors. Some types of occupational violence occur more frequently in retail trade (robbery-related violence) and health care and social services (patient or client assaults on workers) industries than in other sectors. Machines are involved in more injuries and deaths in agriculture and highway construction, than in other sectors. Because of the wide range of causes and events associated with traumatic occupational injuries and deaths, and the fact that they occur in all industry sectors, NIOSH relies heavily on injury and fatality surveillance to identify and track traumatic injury problems in specific worker populations, and to establish research priorities. See the Traumatic Occupational Injury Risks section for more information about the scope of the traumatic injury experience in the United States. For more information about traumatic occupational injuries, link to the NIOSH Traumatic Occupational Injury Topic Page. Page last updated:
December 18, 2008
Page last reviewed: August 22, 2008 Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Division of Safety Research |
NIOSH Program Portfolio:Traumatic Injury |
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