Abstract
Analysis of the COVID-19 risk by occupational groups and industry in Germany Background: Cases of COVID-19 in healthcare professionals and employees in the nursing service who, as a result of their professional activities, are exposed to a significantly increased risk of infection compared to the general population can be recognised as an occupational disease (BK 3101). However, the question arises whether there is an increased risk of infection in occupational groups other than those mentioned in BK 3101. Methods: Based on the routine data of the BARMER health insurance fund for all employed regular insured persons in the age range from 15 to under 65 years, age- and gender-specific incidence rates for COVID-19 were calculated. On this basis, standardised incidence ratios (SIR) were analysed according to industry and occupational groups as well as according to the risk groups proposed by the Collegium Ramazzini. Results: A total of 15,167 cases of COVID-19 were identified for the more than 4.1 million regular insured persons, of which 2,890 were admitted to hospital (19.1%). For employees in the health and nursing care sector, a significantly increased risk was confirmed with SIR = 1.80 (95%CI: 1.62–1.99). But even for risk group 2 (very high risk) a significantly increased risk was detected: SIR = 1.34 (95%CI: 1.15–1.55). The highest risk was observed among contract workers in the industrial sector and in the postal and logistics sector. Conclusion: The analysis suggests that the risk of COVID-19 is highest among healthcare professionals, employees in the nursing service and in workplaces where inadequate occupational health and safety measures may have been implemented. In order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in the future, the new SARS-CoV-2 occupational safety regulations must be implemented and strict monitoring of compliance with the internal policies based on these regulations must be ensured. Keywords: COVID-19 risk – occupational disease (BK 3101) – risk groups – occupational health and safety measures
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