Mandated rest breaks and occupational injuries and illnesses in Dallas County, TX construction workers: A quasi-experimental, comparative interrupted time series study.

Abstract

We estimated associations of a rest break ordinance, implemented for construction workers in Dallas, Texas in 2016, with workplace injuries and illnesses. We used workers' compensation claims data to compare changes in rates of injuries and illnesses among Dallas, TX County construction (i.e., "treated") workers with changes in untreated workers, before (2013 - 2015) and after (2016 - 2018) a rest break ordinance was implemented. Immediately after the ordinance was implemented, rates of injuries/illnesses among treated workers were modestly lower than in comparison workers (Rate Ratio comparing post- versus pre-mandate rates, treated versus comparison workers: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.72 - 1.11). Post- vs pre-ordinance slope trends were similar in the treated versus the comparison group. Ten-minute rest breaks were associated with modestly lower rates of workplace injury/illnesses. More comprehensive standards may be needed for protection.