The epidemiology of work and work-related disease in Rhode Island, 1876-2001

Most Rhode Island workers now work in service industries, though many workers continue to be exposed to the risks of goods production in the workplace. Most reported occupational death is related to transportation and homicide, although in Rhode Island in 1999, exposure to harmful substances or environments was a significant cause of Rhode Island's few occupationally related deaths. How much occupational and environmental exposure contributes to Rhode Island's heart disease and cancer mortality rates in unknown. Musculoskeletal injuries are the predominant form of reported non-fatal occupational injuries, but there are questions about the completeness and accuracy of data on occupational injury and death.