Many epidemiological problems are encountered in studies of mortality experience in industrial populations. The current study was undertaken to develop background data for a large chemical manufacturing company with emphasis on differentials in mortality associated with preselection factors, socioeconomic status, and general job categories. Statistically significant differences were observed in the industrial cohort with respect to socioeconomic level and job category. Differences between the industrial population and the corresponding US white male population were also noted. Findings of this study suggest additional avenues of investigative work for epidemiologists and clinicians concerned with the well being of employee groups in various industries.