Abstract
ObjectiveThis study examined the rates and distribution of serious work-related injuries by demographic, work and injury characteristics in British Columbia, Canada from 2002–2008, using population-based data.MethodsClaims for workers with a serious injury were extracted from workers’ compensation data. Serious injuries were defined by long duration, high cost, serious medical diagnosis, or fatality. Workforce estimates were used to calculate stratum-specific rates. Rate-ratios (RR) and 95% CIs were calculated using negative binomial regression for the comparison of rates, adjusting for gender, age and occupation.ResultsWomen had a lower overall serious injury rate compared to men (RR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87–0.99). The 35–44 age group had the highest overall rate compared to the youngest age group. The rate for severe strains/sprains was similarly high for men and women in the 35–44 age group, although there was a differential pattern by gender for other injury types: the rate of fracture was similar across age groups for men, but increased with age for women (RR: 2.7, 95% CI: 2.2–3.3); and the rate of severe falls increased with age for men and women, with a larger three-fold increase for older women (men: RR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.7–2.1; women: RR: 3.2, 95% CI: 2.7–3.7).ConclusionsThe risk of serious injuries is higher among specific age groups with different patterns emerging for men and women. Variations persisted within similar injury types and occupation groups in our adjusted models. These results provide evidence for the burden of serious injuries and a basis for future analytic research. Given projected demographic shifts and increasing workforce participation of older workers, intervention programs should be carefully implemented with consideration to demographic groups at risk for serious injuries in the workplace.
Highlights
Occupational injuries in high-income countries have been declining over the past two decades [1,2,3]
We used administrative claims data maintained by WorkSafeBC
WorkSafeBC is an independent statutory agency governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the provincial government of British Columbia (BC) [4]
Summary
Occupational injuries in high-income countries have been declining over the past two decades [1,2,3]. In Canada, for example, the number of work-related injury claims fell from 621 000 in 1989 to 260 000 in 2009, a reduction of 58% [1]. The United States has experienced declines in the number and rate of work-related injuries and illnesses, including a 22% decrease in the rate of non-fatal claims among private industries since 2003 [3]. In the United States, the direct cost of the most disabling workplace injuries amounted to over $53 billion USD, representing 71% of the total compensation cost burden in 2008 [6]. In the United Kingdom, slips, trips and falls (the most common cause of major workplace injury in the UK) accounted for approximately $1.3 billion USD in total costs to society [7]. In the Canadian province of British Columbia, serious injuries comprised one-third of overall claims, yet accounted for 75% of the disability days paid and 85% of the associated claim costs in 2009 [5]
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