Defining Occupational Illnesses and Injuries

This technical report will discuss the definitions of occupational illnesses and injuries as established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A systematic method for classifying an occupational event as either an illness or an injury will be presented. The Air Force is required to collect occupational injury and illness data, to analyze collected data, and to establish preventive programs based upon any identified unsafe or unhealthy working conditions. Specific requirements exist for reporting every occupational death, every occupational illness, and some occupational injuries.