Voluntary Public Sector Letter for NR1

U.S. Department of Labor

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

Dear Employer:
In January of this year, you were 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.
We requested that you respond within 30 days and our records show that we have not yet received your
response. 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