Updated OSHA Workplace Safety data in data library

The Workplace Safety database from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has just been updated in the NICAR Database Library.

WHAT’S IN IT?

This 10-table database holds information on workplace inspections performed by both federal and state OSHA offices in all states and U.S. territories, from 1972 to Aug 2013 – more than 4 million records.

OSHA classifies businesses by their location, name and North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), making it possible to analyze inspections, violations and accidents involving a certain occupation or those in a given region or city. The data also include details on the types of injuries that occurred during an accident and whether any hazardous materials were involved.

Penalties for violations are recorded in several ways, including the fine amount initially assessed, the current penalty reflecting any modifications, and what was actually paid (or not paid, if that's the case).

WHAT FORMAT?

The data come in both CSV and SQL files; the SQL file is intended for MySQL users. We’re happy to help you get the data into whatever program you use, contact us for help: (573) 884-7711 or datalib@ire.org.

State slices are available.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT?

OSHA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimate that more than 4,000 workers were killed on the job in 2012. OSHA issued more than $180 million in penalties. Journalists have used OSHA data to investigate industries and companies with high death tolls, serious violations, or unpaid fines; or to provide background information when something goes wrong, such as the explosion at the fertilizer plant in West, Texas.

For help with your reporting, check out these tipsheets from the IRE Resource Center: