Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Health Statistics Section

 

Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries
 
History

The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) program is a National census conducted in partnership with States to compile work-related fatality data. Fatality data collection by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) began in select States in 1972, from which CFOI developed and grew to include all 50 States and the District of Columbia by 1992. Colorado has published data on work-related fatalities occurring since 1982, and implemented the CFOI system in 1991. CFOI program data are collected in cooperation with BLS to ensure that data are comparable among States.

 

How the Census works

The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries provides detailed information on all fatal workplace injuries, including: self-employed workers, agricultural workers, and government employees. In order that all relevant information is obtained, the CFOI program collects data from multiple sources. Each case must have two or more substantiating documents, including: death certificates, worker's compensation claims, NIOSH FACE investigation reports, OSHA reports, traffic accident reports, and newspaper clippings. Each State compiles and publishes their cases (often annually), and also forwards their data each year to BLS for inclusion in a National database.

 

Purpose of the Census

CFOI data are used for research, statistical analysis, and planning prevention measures. The program is intended to support employers, researchers, government agencies, or anyone interested in promoting work place safety and injury prevention efforts. Examples of how CFOI data can be used include:

  • Designing surveillance systems for injury prevention programs
  • Informing employers, workers, trade associations, and employee organizations of life-threatening hazards associated with various jobs
  • Promoting safe work practices through enhanced job safety training
  • Developing new safety equipment
  • Assessing and improving work place safety standards

 

 

 

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Health Statistics
CHEIS-HS-A1
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530

FAX: (303)691-7821
Tel. #: (303)692-2160  
E-mail:  health.statistics@state.co.us