Voluntary Public Sector letter for data collection

U.S. Department of Labor

Bureau of Labor Statistics
2 Massachusetts Ave., N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20212

Dear Employer:
As the manager of a state or local government organization, you are asked to complete the enclosed
Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. The Occupational Safety and Health Act includes
language that requires the Secretary of Labor to “develop and maintain an effective program of collection,
compilation, and analysis of occupational safety and health statistics.” The Survey of Occupational
Injuries and Illnesses, conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is part of this data collection program,
and is approved under OMB No. 1220-0045. While your participation is voluntary, it is important in
providing information that will help protect workers.
Without the cooperation of organizations like yours, we would not be able to produce National estimates
of workplace injuries and illnesses for state and local governments. The state and local government
sector employs over 14 percent of the American workforce and its inclusion in the survey is vital to
improving our knowledge of the number, frequency, and types of work-related injuries and illnesses
occurring in the workplace.
To make survey completion as easy as possible, we are providing three convenient ways to submit your
survey: through our online webpage, by fillable form through email, or by paper form via US mail. If the
detailed case information requested is not recorded on your OSHA forms, please refer to other sources of
information you may have (including your Workers’ Compensation records). Please note, however, that
OSHA’s rules (www.osha.gov/recordkeeping) concerning which injuries and illnesses to record differ
from your state’s Workers’ Compensation reporting. If you need assistance, please contact your state at
the number(s) listed on the front of the form.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, its employees, agents, and partner statistical agencies will use the
information you provide for statistical purposes only and will hold the information in confidence to the full
extent permitted by law. In accordance with the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical
Efficiency Act of 2002 (Title 5 of Public Law 107-347) and other applicable Federal Laws, your responses
will not be disclosed in any identifiable form without your consent.
Please take the time today to complete this survey.
Sincerely,

William J. Wiatrowski
Associate Commissioner
Office of Compensation and Working Conditions
Bureau of Labor Statistics