Abstract
Occupational health is a key priority for the horseracing industry, yet little research on occupational injuries exists. This study investigated the prevalence and the effect of injury in British horseracing staff during a 12-month period. An online retrospective survey was answered by 352 participants, identifying self-reported injury prevalence, injury management practices and attitudes towards workplace injury reporting. Chi Squared tests for independence were undertaken. A total of 310 (88.1%) staff reported injuries; risk factors for injury type included self-perceived job security, working hours, and perceived job control. Physical limitations, loss of confidence, workplace changes, and lifestyle implications were reported as consequences of injury. A total of 75.3% (n = 134) of staff were likely to seek time-off following fractures, but only 48.6% (n = 86) would take time-off for concussion. Attitudes towards injury management were influenced by financial circumstances, perceived staff shortages, previous injury experiences, and perceived employer expectations. The high self-reported injury prevalence could result in decreased workforce efficiency, poor physical health, and negative implications on retention and career longevity. The perception of invisible injuries, i.e., concussion, and subsequent management, should be of immediate concern to racing organizations. This paper identifies recommendations to enhance the safety and wellbeing of horseracing staff.
Highlights
Stable staff, known as racing grooms, have a multifaceted role within the horseracing industry, acting as care givers, skilled athletes, and equine experts [1,2], which often results in a role with inherently high emotional, physical, and mental demands [3], and subsequently high injury rates amongst staff [2,4,5]
Occupational health of stable staff is a key priority for the racing industry, and it is becoming increasingly more important to consider the nature of injury for stable staff, in line with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Recruitment, Training and Retention strategy
Staff reported a high rate of injuries, with working hours, perceived job security and perceived job control factors in resultant injury type
Summary
Known as racing grooms, have a multifaceted role within the horseracing industry, acting as care givers, skilled athletes, and equine experts [1,2], which often results in a role with inherently high emotional, physical, and mental demands [3], and subsequently high injury rates amongst staff [2,4,5]. Core staff includes track riders (riding only role), racing grooms (training yards) and stud grooms (stud and breeding yards) who are involved in 82% of all reported accidents [4], and often present differing injury profiles to jockeys [5]. Whilst the horse is a significant risk factor for injury in both ridden and handling roles (see [6] for full review), additional occupational risks may exist for stable staff that are not seen in jockeys [2,4]. Recent research in horseracing noted a disregard for work-based injuries reported by those staff working in direct contact with horses [10] and a culture of presenteeism, turning up to work when injured or unwell [3,9,11,12]. Employees who ignore their own health needs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
