Awareness of labor insurance coverage for occupational injuries and diseases among employees at small and large enterprises

Abstract

ObjectivesTo assess the awareness of compensation claims for occupational injuries and diseases among workers and the general public, and analyze the difference between workers at small and large enterprises. Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among workers at small enterprises, large enterprises, and the general public in Eastern Taiwan between 2006 and 2007. Participants were enrolled from people who attended occupational health promotion programs held by the Eastern Center for Occupational Hazard Prevention and Treatment. A questionnaire was used to assess awareness of medical care benefits, injury and sickness benefits, and disability benefits for occupational injuries and disease. An awareness index was used to investigate the difference between workers at small and large enterprises. Results251 individuals were enrolled, including 79 workers from small enterprises (mean age 46.9 ± 8.9 years), 50 workers from large enterprises (49.4 ± 10.4 years) and 122 from the general public (45.7 ± 13.0 years). The awareness of medical care benefits, injury and sickness benefits, and disability benefits was poor, with only 10.5%, 13.0%, and 9.1% of people well aware of these benefits, respectively. Awareness was poorer among workers from small enterprises than large enterprises (p < 0.05). After adjusting for the educational level of the workers, the scale of enterprise remained a significant independent predictor of the awareness score (p = 0.04). ConclusionAwareness of labor insurance benefits was poor among workers, especially those at small enterprises, and the general public. Regular education programs should be provided to promote awareness of labor insurance benefits for occupational injuries and disease.