Integrated Occupational Injury Surveillance Data Dissemination and Resource Tools

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Division of Safety Research has developed an integrated software code library for online dissemination of occupational injury surveillance data through query systems, searchable classification resources using graphical tree interfaces (e.g., the hierarchical, four component Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System (OIICS)) and interactive map displays. NIOSH has used the software code library for development of internal and external facing data query systems such as the Work-Related Injury Statistics Query System (Work-RISQS) and classification systems such as OIICS, the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), and the International Classification of Disease (ICD). The query system format and code library served as the basis for the development of the New Hampshire online vital statistics system.

 

The code library includes modular .NET-based components with specific applications in Windows forms and ASP.NET connected to SQL server and Oracle databases. The library components create a development structure that simplifies, standardizes, and speeds up query system development. The use of XML configuration files eliminates the need to customize each query component interaction. This also provides a standardized methodology for designing a new query system and a consistent user interface across disparate query systems. Simultaneously, it reduces maintenance and update efforts for managers of multiple query systems. Graphical user interfaces are incorporated into the query systems for exploring data subsets via complex classification schemes and interactive maps. The graphical hierarchical tree interfaces have been reused in standalone classification lookup resources to facilitate data interpretation. By designing subject matter expertise into the query systems and classification tools, these data systems facilitate good data use practices and standardize approaches to knowledge management aspects of occupational injury and illness surveillance data.