Risk Of Occupational Injury Research Articles

Associations between employee and manager gender: impacts on gender-specific risk of acute occupational injury in metal manufacturing

BackgroundPrior research has shown increased risk of injury for female employees compared to male employees after controlling for job and tasks, but have not explored whether this increased risk might be moderated by manager gender. The gender of one’s manager could in theory affect injury rates among male and female employees through their managers’ response to an employee’s psychosocial stress or through how employees differentially report injuries. Other explanations for the gender disparity in injury experience, such as ergonomic factors or differential training, are unlikely to be impacted by supervisor gender. This study seeks to explore whether an employee’s manager’s gender modifies the effect of employee gender with regards to risk of acute injury.MethodsA cohort of employees and managers were identified using human resources and injury management data between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2007 for six facilities of a large US aluminum manufacturing company. Cox proportional hazards models were employed to examine the interaction between employee gender and whether the employee had female only manager(s), male only manager(s), or both male and female managers on injury risk. Manager gender category was included as a time varying covariate and reassessed for each employee at the midpoint of each year.ResultsThe percentage of departments with both female and male managers increased dramatically during the study period due to corporate efforts to increase female representation in management. After adjustment for fixed effects at the facility level and shared frailty by department, manager gender category does not appear to moderate the effect of employee gender (p = 0.717). Manager category was not a significant predictor (p = 0.093) of time to first acute injury. Similarly, having at least one female manager did not modify the hazard of injury for female employees compared to males (p = 0.899) and was not a significant predictor of time to first acute injury (p = 0.601).ConclusionsPrior findings suggest that female manufacturing employees are at higher risk for acute injury compared to males; this analysis suggests that this relationship is not affected by the gender of the employee’s manager(s).

Characteristics of and Risk Factors for Compensated Occupational Injury and Disease Claims in Dairy Farmers: A Case-Control Study

Research indicates that dairy farmers have an elevated risk of work-related adverse health outcomes. This case-control study evaluated the characteristics of and risk factors for compensated occupational injury and disease claims among Finnish dairy farmers. The cases consisted of 19 farm couples in which both spouses had a history of multiple claims. There were 283 claims in total, a rate of 26.6 claims per 100 person-years. The controls consisted of 12 couples in which neither spouse had compensated or rejected claims during their work history as insured farmers. A combined mail/telephone survey charted potential risk factors for compensated claims. These claims frequently involved work tasks and causes related to animal husbandry. Cattle were the most common cause for injuries in general and for serious injuries in particular. Gender differences in farm work and claims were observed. Using logistic regression analyses, we identified personal and work-related risk factors including long work history, small-scale dairy farm operation, and conventional stanchion barn for dairy cattle. Outdated working conditions, while not statistically significant, were positively associated with claims as well. Declined current work ability and musculoskeletal or respiratory conditions were significantly associated with claims where each of these outcomes may contribute to the other. Identified factors could be used to select subgroups of dairy farmers with either elevated or reduced risk of claims. Prevention of adverse health outcomes could be most effective when targeted to farmers at highest risk of occupational injury and disease.

How do employment types and job stressors relate to occupational injury? A cross-sectional investigation of employees in Japan

ObjectiveThis study investigated whether 1) the risk of occupational injury differs among permanent employees and specific types of temporary workers, 2) the risk of occupational injury differs across different employment types depending on the degree of job stressors. Study designA cross-sectional study design based on self-report survey data. MethodsA total of 36,688 full-time workers (28,868 men and 7820 women; average age = 35.4) were surveyed by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Employment types consisted of permanent employment and two forms of temporary employment: direct-hire and temporary work agent (TWA). Job characteristics including job demands, job control, and social support at work were measured. Occupational injury was measured by asking whether the participant had an injury on the job in the past 12 months that required a medical treatment. To investigate the relationships between employment types, job stressors, and occupational injury, hierarchical moderated logistic regression tests were conducted. ResultsHigh job demands (OR = 1.44) and low job control (OR = 1.21) were significantly associated with an increased risk of occupational injury, while controlling for demographic, life style, health, and occupational factors. In addition, direct-hires (OR = 1.85) and temporary agent workers (OR = 3.26) had a higher risk of occupational injury compared with permanent employees. However, the relationship between employment types and the risk of occupational injury depended on the levels of job demands and job control. Specifically, the magnitude of the relationship between job demands and the risk of occupational injury was substantially greater for temporary work agents than for permanent employees when they reported low levels of job control. Such an interaction effect between job demands and job control on the risk of occupational injury was not observed between permanent employees and direct-hire temporary workers. ConclusionThe current study indicated that temporary workers might be more vulnerable to occupational injury than permanent employees. High levels of job demands and low levels of job control might also add to temporary workers' risk of occupational injury, particularly for TWAs.

Obesity and Occupational Injury: A Prospective Cohort Study of 69,515 Public Sector Employees

BackgroundObesity and overweight are suggested to increase the risk of occupational injury but longitudinal evidence to confirm this is rare. We sought to evaluate obesity and overweight as risk factors for occupational injuries.Methodology/Principal FindingsA total of 69,515 public sector employees (80% women) responded to a survey in 2000–2002, 2004 or 2008. Body mass index (kg/m2) was derived from self-reported height and weight and was linked to records of subsequent occupational injuries obtained from national registers. Different injury types, locations and events or exposures (the manner in which the injury was produced or inflicted) were analyzed by body mass index category adjusting for baseline socio-demographic characteristics, work characteristics, health-risk behaviors, physical and mental health, insomnia symptoms, and sleep duration. During the mean follow-up of 7.8 years (SD = 3.2), 18% of the employees (N = 12,204) recorded at least one occupational injury. Obesity was associated with a higher overall risk of occupational injury; multivariable adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.21 (95% CI 1.14–1.27). A relationship was observed for bone fractures (HR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.10–1.70), dislocations, sprains and strains (HR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.25–1.49), concussions and internal injuries (HR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.11–1.44), injuries to lower extremities (HR = 1.62; 95%: 1.46–1.79) and injuries to whole body or multiple sites (HR = 1.37; 95%: 1.10–1.70). Furthermore, obesity was associated with a higher risk of injuries caused by slipping, tripping, stumbling and falling (HR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.40–1.73), sudden body movement with or without physical stress (HR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.10–1.41) and shock, fright, violence, aggression, threat or unexpected presence (HR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.03–1.72). The magnitude of the associations between overweight and injuries was smaller, but the associations were generally in the same direction as those of obesity.Conclusions/SignificanceObese employees record more occupational injuries than those with recommended healthy weight.

Contribution of health status and prevalent chronic disease to individual risk for workplace injury in the manufacturing environment

ObjectivesAn ‘information gap’ has been identified regarding the effects of chronic disease on occupational injury risk. We investigated the association of ischaemic heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, depression and asthma with...

Computer simulations of obesity effects on occupant injury in frontal impacts

Obese occupants in motor-vehicle collisions experience different injury risks compared to non-obese occupants and there is little data available to explain these differences. The purpose of this study was to examine mechanisms of injury and injury risk to obese male occupants in frontal motor-vehicle collisions. Computer models were created to investigate the contributions of increased occupant mass and the interaction between the obese torso and seatbelt on occupant injury risk. A design-of-experiments approach was used to investigate the effects of body mass index (BMI) on occupant injury while controlling for vehicle environment variables. Results suggest that occupant mass is the most significant factor contributing to different injury risks in obese occupants. Changes in obese torso/seatbelt interaction, due to increased BMI alone, do not significantly affect occupant injury risk. However, changes in torso/seatbelt interaction coupled with increased occupant mass alter the overall kinematics of the occupant causing increased risk of injury to the lower extremities.

Patient transfers and assistive devices: prospective cohort study on the risk for occupational back injury among healthcare workers

This prospective cohort study investigates work-related risk factors for occupational back injury among healthcare workers. The study comprised 5017 female healthcare workers in eldercare from 36 municipalities in Denmark who responded to a baseline and follow-up questionnaire in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Using logistic regression, the odds for occupational back injury (ie, sudden onset episodes) in 2006 from patient transfers in 2005 was modeled. In the total study population, 3.9% experienced back injury during follow-up, of which 0.5% were recurrent events. When adjusting for lifestyle (body mass index, leisure-time physical activity, smoking), work-related characteristics (seniority and perceived influence at work), and history of back pain and injury, daily patient transfers increased the risk for back injury (trend, P=0.03): odds ratio (OR) 1.75 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.05-2.93] for 1-2 transfers per day, OR 1.81 (95% CI 1.14-2.85) for 3-10 transfers per day, and OR 1.56 (95% CI 0.96-2.54) for >10 transfers per day, referencing those with <1 patient transfer on average per day. The population attributable fraction of daily patient transfer for back injury was estimated to be 36%. Among those with daily patient transfer (N=3820), using an assistive device decreased the risk for back injury for "often" and "very often" use [OR 0.59 (95% CI 0.36-0.98) and OR 0.62 (95% CI 0.38-1.00), respectively] referencing those who "seldom" use assistive devices. Daily patient transfer was associated with increased risk for back injury among healthcare workers. Persistent use of an assistive device was associated with reduced risk for back injury among healthcare workers with daily patient transfers.

300 Diabetes and risk of accidental injury at work

ObjectivesTo assess the effect of diabetes on risk of occupational injury, we undertook a case-control analysis nested within the UK General Practice Research Database (GPRD).MethodsThe GPRD logs all primary care...

Industrial Distributions of Severe Occupational Injuries among Workers in Thailand

In industrializing countries, occupational safety and health have been affected by globalization. However, a lack of reliable data prevents evaluation of this situation. Therefore, we examined industrial distributions and risks of severe occupational injuries among workers in Thailand, which is one of the few industrializing countries that compiles nationwide data. Data on workers who made claims for occupational injuries from 2007 to 2009 were extracted from the Workmen's Compensation Fund records in Thailand. Among 501,334 claimants, we evaluated the industrial distributions of severe occupational injuries (i.e., permanent disability and death). We then examined the associations between industry and those injuries, using proportionate ratios (PRs) between each industrial category and the overall distribution of occupational injuries. The number of workers in manufacturing making claims for severe occupational injuries was the largest among all industrial categories (319,114/501,334 injuries), although the total number of occupational injuries recently declined. Additionally, workers in manufacturing experienced severe occupational injuries more often compared with the overall distribution of occupational injuries. The PRs (95% confidence interval) for manufacturing were 1.17 (1.14-1.20) in men and 1.33 (1.27-1.38) in women. After adjusting for individual characteristics, the results did not substantially change. Manufacturing seems to have the largest burden of occupational injuries in industrializing countries like Thailand.

Does unemployment affect compensating wage differentials for work-related fatal injuries? Empirical evidence from occupational data

The study examines the hypothesis that high unemployment rates in local labour markets weaken the bargaining power of workers and reduce the wage premium given to compensate for the risk of death in the workplace. Analysis of fatal occupational injury risk and demographic data from the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) and the Current population Survey (CPS) over 2004 to 2007 finds strong evidence for this hypothesis. Results show that both blue-collar union and nonunion workers are likely to receive a lower wage premium in locations where unemployment rates are high. They also indicate that the compensating differentials for fatal injury risks are larger for union workers than those of their nonunion counterparts.

슬레드 모델 시뮬레이션을 이용한 자동차 정면충돌에서 차량 형태별 운전자 상해 판정식 제작

An extensive real world in-depth crash accident data is needed to make a precise occupant injury risk prediction at crash accidents which might be a critical information from the scene of the accident in ACNS(Automatic Crash Notification System). However it is rather unfortunate that there is no such a domestic database unlike other leading countries. Therefore we propose a numerical method, i.e., crash simulation using a sled model to make a virtual database that can substitute car crash database in real world. The proposing crash injury risk prediction is validated against a limited domestic crash accident data.

A methodology for improving structural robustness in frontal car-to-car crash scenarios

There has been significant development in passenger car crashworthiness over the last few decades. However, real-world crashes often occur in scenarios dissimilar to laboratory barrier crash set-ups. Further knowledge is required on how different impact scenarios affect vehicle structural response and occupant injury risk in real-world scenarios. This study introduces a methodology for assessing crash configuration parameters that influence the structural response in car-to-car frontal collisions by using finite element models of two identical vehicles. The crash configuration parameters included in this study were initial velocities, oblique angle and lateral offset distance. An evaluation was made in terms of passenger compartment intrusion and crash pulse severity. Special focus was directed towards investigating whether these input parameters can be used to define incompatible scenarios, i.e. where the structural response in one vehicle is significantly different compared to the other vehicle. Results indicate that collision scenarios with large overlap as extreme in terms of crash pulse severity, and incompatible car-to-car crash scenarios were found at small overlap and an oblique angle of 15°. An outlook for future model and method validation work is described.

P309: Knowledge and occupational exposure to blood and body fluids among medical students

Medical students, as other health care workers, are at risk for occupational needlestick injuries (NSIs) which can result in exposure to blood-borne pathogens and substantial health consequences.

Distribution and characteristics of occupational injuries and diseases among farmers: A retrospective analysis of workers' compensation claims

Research indicates occupational injuries and diseases are not evenly distributed among workers. We investigated the distribution and characteristics of compensated occupational injuries and diseases requiring medical care in the Finnish farming population. The study population consisted of 93,564 Finnish farmers, spouses, and salaried family members who were covered by the mandatory workers' compensation insurance in 2002. This population had a total of 133,207 occupational injuries and 9,148 occupational diseases over a 26-year period (1982-2008). Clustering of claims was observed. Nearly half (47.1%) of the population had no compensated claims while 52.9% had at least one; 50.9% of farmers had one or more injuries and 8.1% had one or more diseases. Ten percent of the population had half of injury cases, and 3% of the population had half of occupational disease cases. Claims frequently involved work tasks related to animal husbandry and repair and maintenance of farm machinery. Injury and disease characteristics (work activity, cause, ICD-10 code) differed between individuals with high and low personal claim rate. Injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system had a tendency to reoccur among those with high claim rate. These outcomes were often related to strenuous working motions and postures in labor-intensive animal husbandry. Analyses of longitudinal insurance data contributes to better understanding of the long-term risk of occupational injury and disease among farmers. We suggest focusing on recurrent health outcomes and their causes among high risk populations could help design more effective interventions in agriculture and other industries.

The obesity epidemic in the occupational health context

The obesity epidemic in the occupational health context

Post-traumatic stress disorder in trainee doctors with previous needlestick injuries

Doctors are at particular risk of occupational needlestick injuries (NSI), and these may result in considerable acute anxiety and fear of disease transmission. To measure the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among trainee doctors who had experienced an NSI. A questionnaire was distributed to trainee doctors starting work in a large university hospital in the UK. The survey gathered demographic information and experience of previous NSI and included questions designed to assess the presence of PTSD via the Impact of Event Scale (IES), a widely used screening tool for PTSD. The six-item version of this tool (IES-6) was used in this study. Among the 147 doctors who participated, 80 (54%) had sustained at least one NSI during their training and 77 of these completed the IES-6 survey. Of note, 38% of injuries (30/80) were not reported to the occupational health or emergency departments. Using a cut-off level of 10 in the IES-6, 12% (9/77) of the doctors who suffered NSI during their training showed evidence of PTSD. Since the prevalence of PTSD in the general population is estimated at 3%, the odds ratio of PTSD in doctors who had NSI was 4.28 (95% confidence interval: 2.16-8.47). NSI injury is common among doctors in training. As 12% of doctors with experience of NSI had post-traumatic stress reactions, special attention should be paid to psychological impacts of NSIs. We would recommend further prospective studies.

Exercise Habits and Tobacco Use Among Male Latino Farmworkers

ABSTRACT Migrant farmworkers risk occupational injury and are at risk for developing chronic health conditions. Exercise may enhance health and help to reduce the risk of occupational injury and/or reduce the risk of developing a chronic health condition. Little is known, however, about the exercise habits of Latino migrant farmworkers. Male Latino migrant farmworkers completed an exercise and health habits questionnaire at health screening clinics. One hundred fifty-three (58.2%) subjects reported exercising during the week. There was no difference in age between those who reported exercising and those who did not (p = .78). Only 42 (16%) of all workers reported exercising for 3 or more hours a week. Seventeen percent of the subjects reported smoking and almost 10% reported chewing tobacco. A majority of subjects do not meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) exercise guidelines. Tobacco use is highest among individuals who do not exercise. These findings suggest the need for health education interventions for this population. Additional studies are warranted to understand exercise and health habits of this population.

Do relative and non-relative personal assistance providers differ regarding their risk of occupational injury and musculoskeletal disorders?

Personal Assistance Services (PAS) employs nearly 900,000 providers of long-term care; many are relatives hired by PAS recipients. Risk of occupational injury and musculoskeletal disorders among PAS providers is a concern and it is unknown if relatives are more vulnerable compared to non-relative providers. This paper explores whether paid relative and non-relative providers differ regarding this vulnerability, using data from a survey of PAS providers (n=855). No differences were found regarding risk of injury or musculoskeletal disorders, which suggests that PAS programs could continue offering options for recipients to hire relatives as providers, with no additional risks placed on relatives.

자동차 정면충돌에서 자동차 영구 변형량에 따른 승객 상해 추정

The estimation of occupant injury risk at crash accident is one of the most important assessments for the vehicle crashworthiness performance. The design of safety devices such as occupant restraining system also depend on the kinematics of occupant and its injury risk. The real world in-depth accident investigation provides detailed and realistic information of vehicle damage and occupant injury as well as the accident conditions. This paper introduces a statistical analysis of NASS/CDS database and domestic accident data to correlate speed change, vehicle damage extend, and occupant injury at frontal crash. The maximum crush extend shows a linear relationship with the effective impact speed. The injury risks of the occupant with and without restraining were also respectively quantified with the crush extend. This result can be effectively used for the emergent rescue of crash victims with automatic crash notification system.

Musculoskeletal Injury, Functional Disability, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Aging Mexican Immigrant Farmworkers

Migrant and seasonal farmworkers are at high risk for musculoskeletal and other occupational injuries. Although persons aged 40-80 years account for 40 % of all US farmworkers and as many as 50 % in certain regions, little is known about their occupational health issues. The current study examined work-related persistent musculoskeletal injuries (PMIs) and their association with clinical and functional indicators of disability and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in 177 middle-aged and elderly US-Mexico border farmworkers. At interview, 68 % reported current PMI pain; 51 % had pain at multiple sites. PMI pain was associated with increased shoulder, knee, and lower extremity dysfunction and reduced HRQOL scores. However, fewer than 25 % of injured participants received any conventional medical treatment. The study results indicated that work-related PMIs, especially multiple PMIs, caused significant functional impairment, disability, and poorer HRQOL, adversely affecting the ability of the aging farmworkers to perform work, self-care, and other daily activities.