Georgia Occupational Health Surveillance Program

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Project Summary The Georgia Department of Public Health Occupational Safety and Health Surveillance Program (GA-OHS) proposes to strengthen its current occupational safety and health surveillance and build upon its capacity by establishing a Fundamental-Plus Program. GA-OHS will continue to systematically collect, analyze, interpret, and disseminate data on the state employment profile and the 24 OHIs that have been recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE). Additionally, the GA-BRFSS, will be analyzed annually to obtain data for two identified state- specific OHIs: workplace secondhand smoke exposure and arthritis among employees. Georgia Violent Death Reporting System (GA-VDRS) data will also be analyzed annually for a new state-specific indicator on work-related violent deaths to determine the magnitude of workplace and work-related homicides and suicides in Georgia. GA-OHS will conduct in-depth analyses and surveillance of OHIs with rates that have increased over time in Georgia, OHIs that have rates above the national average, and those identified as emerging issues. These priority OHIs and emerging conditions include work-related transportation incidents, work-related pesticide associated illness and injury, and work-related COVID-19. In collaboration with the DPH Environmental Health Section, GA-OHS will implement follow-back investigations of resident incident cases age 16 years and older with elevated BLLs of ≥ 25 µg/dL. GA-OHS proposes to maintain and build upon its current capacity to conduct Fundamental OH Surveillance by establishing two new in-depth surveillance activities (Fundamental-Plus projects). For Project One, GA-OHS will conduct in-depth assessment and follow-back activities for work-related and workplace suicides. Follow-back activities will be conducted with employers who would like to receive mental health trainings or resources available for their employees. For Project Two, GA-OHS will work in collaboration with the Georgia Council on Respiratory Health Promotion and DPH Asthma Control and Prevention Program to create a policy and intervention program for work-related asthma. GA-OHS will maintain an Advisory Committee including representatives of key partners and stakeholder organizations and agencies. We will also participate fully in CDC/NIOSH- and recipient-convened meetings or conference calls of grantees and collaborate with other state surveillance programs and key organizations on topics of mutual interest. GA-OHS will use results from data analyses and surveillance findings to inform the development of new partnerships and facilitate implementation of intervention and/or prevention activities. Expected project outputs and outcomes include, but are not limited to: • Occupational health surveillance reports, data summaries, and scientific journal articles • Increased awareness and development of resources for work-related transportation incidents, work-related pesticide injuries/illnesses, and work-related COVID-19 • Development and dissemination of lead exposure educational materials, guidance, and training resources for workers and employers to help reduce occupational lead exposures • Increased awareness of workplace and work-related suicides in Georgia • Development and dissemination of resources to increase mental health awareness in workplaces • Development and dissemination of work-related asthma educational materials for health care providers, employers, and workers • A policy for surveillance and intervention of work-related asthma.