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Young Workers' Access to and Awareness of Occupational Safety and Health Services: Age-Differences and Possible Drivers in a Large Survey of Employees in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15071511. [PMID: 30018272 PMCID: PMC6069130 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15071511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Young workers are in particular need of occupational safety and health (OSH) services, but it is unclear whether they have the necessary access to such services. We compared young with older workers in terms of the access to and awareness of OSH services, and examined if differences in employment conditions accounted for age-differences. We used survey data from Italy (INSuLA 1, 2014), with a sample of 8000 employed men and women aged 19 to 65 years, including 732 young workers aged under 30 years. Six questions measured access to services, and five questions assessed awareness of different OSH issues. Several employment conditions were included. Analyses revealed that young workers had less access and a lower awareness of OSH issues compared with older workers. For instance, odds ratios (OR) suggest that young workers had a 1.44 times higher likelihood [95%—confidence interval 1.21–1.70] of having no access to an occupational physician, and were more likely (2.22 [1.39–3.38]) to be unaware of legal OSH frameworks. Adjustment for selected employment conditions (company size, temporary contract) substantially reduced OR’s, indicating that these conditions contribute to differences between older and younger workers. We conclude that OSH management should pay particular attention to young workers in general and, to young workers in precarious employment, and working in small companies in particular.
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Perotti S, Russo MC. Work-related fatal injuries in Brescia County (Northern Italy), 1982 to 2015: A forensic analysis. J Forensic Leg Med 2018; 58:122-125. [PMID: 29908489 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Work-related deaths represent an important social problem. We report all the occupational fatal injuries recorded by the Brescia Institute of Forensic Medicine from 1982 to 2015. A total of 426 post-mortem examinations due to accidental work injuries were retrospectively analysed according to temporal distribution (year, month and day of the workplace accident); workers' characteristics (sex, age, nationality); type of occupation; cause of death; anatomical region of fatal injuries and timing of death. The accidental occupational events occurred with a mean of 12.5 cases per year. Almost all the workers were male (99%) and Italians (87%), aged between 35 and 49 years old (34.27%). The occupation with more fatalities was construction (36.62%), followed by mechanical industry (19.25%) and agriculture (13.15%). Most of deaths were connected to a mechanical trauma (77.69%) such as falls, machinery-related events, blunt forces or explosions. The predominant site of the lethal wound was the head (33.56%), with a high percentage of death resulting from a traumatic brain injury. In 30.75% of cases death occurred after a short period of hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Perotti
- Institute of Forensic Legal Medicine, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Russo
- Institute of Forensic Legal Medicine, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
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Disentangling the complexity of tropical small-scale fisheries dynamics using supervised Self-Organizing Maps. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196991. [PMID: 29782501 PMCID: PMC5962099 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tropical small-scale fisheries are typical for providing complex multivariate data, due to their diversity in fishing techniques and highly diverse species composition. In this paper we used for the first time a supervised Self-Organizing Map (xyf-SOM), to recognize and understand the internal heterogeneity of a tropical marine small-scale fishery, using as model the fishery fleet of San Pedro port, Tabasco, Mexico. We used multivariate data from commercial logbooks, including the following four factors: fish species (47), gear types (bottom longline, vertical line+shark longline and vertical line), season (cold, warm), and inter-annual variation (2007–2012). The size of the xyf-SOM, a fundamental characteristic to improve its predictive quality, was optimized for the minimum distance between objects and the maximum prediction rate. The xyf-SOM successfully classified individual fishing trips in relation to the four factors included in the model. Prediction percentages were high (80–100%) for bottom longline and vertical line + shark longline, but lower prediction values were obtained for vertical line (51–74%) fishery. A confusion matrix indicated that classification errors occurred within the same fishing gear. Prediction rates were validated by generating confidence interval using bootstrap. The xyf-SOM showed that not all the fishing trips were targeting the most abundant species and the catch rates were not symmetrically distributed around the mean. Also, the species composition is not homogeneous among fishing trips. Despite the complexity of the data, the xyf-SOM proved to be an excellent tool to identify trends in complex scenarios, emphasizing the diverse and complex patterns that characterize tropical small scale-fishery fleets.
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López-Arquillos A, Rubio-Romero JC, López-Arquillos C. Workers' medication as occupational risk at construction site with formworks. Work 2018; 57:389-395. [PMID: 28800352 DOI: 10.3233/wor-172573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accidents in the construction sector are a cause for concern. The influence of many different factors in construction accidents have been studied (age, company size, length of service, deviation, drugs or alcohol consumption, etc.) but the influence of medicinal substances in specific construction activities has not been evaluated until now. OBJECTIVE The aim of the research presented here is to identify the effect of different medicinal substances on the occupational risk levels of construction activities with formworks. METHODS An expert panel was selected in order to quantify the individual risk of each medication for each individual construction activity. RESULTS Results showed that narcotics, antipsychotics, and hypnotics had the highest risk values, and the use of cranes and cutting materials were considered the most dangerous activities for a medicated worker. CONCLUSIONS Data obtained in this research can help reduce the negative effects of the substances studied on the occupational safety of construction workers. A better knowledge of the risk levels according to the current capabilities of workers under the effects of medication is a powerful tool in planning safer construction activities.
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Wong FKW, Chan APC, Wong AKD, Hon CKH, Choi TNY. Accidents of Electrical and Mechanical Works for Public Sector Projects in Hong Kong. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018. [PMID: 29534429 PMCID: PMC5877030 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15030485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A study on electrical and mechanical (E&M) works-related accidents for public sector projects provided the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the causes of accidents by analyzing the circumstances of all E&M works accidents. The research aims to examine accidents of E&M works which happened in public sector projects. A total of 421 E&M works-related accidents in the “Public Works Programme Construction Site Safety and Environmental Statistics” (PCSES) system were extracted for analysis. Two-step cluster analysis was conducted to classify the E&M accidents into different groups. The results identified three E&M accidents groups: (1) electricians with over 15 years of experience were prone to ‘fall of person from height’; (2) electricians with zero to five years of experience were prone to ‘slip, trip or fall on same level’; (3) air-conditioning workers with zero to five years of experience were prone to multiple types of accidents. Practical measures were recommended for each specific cluster group to avoid recurrence of similar accidents. The accident analysis would be vital for industry practitioners to enhance the safety performance of public sector projects. This study contributes to filling the knowledge gap of how and why E&M accidents occur and promulgating preventive measures for E&M accidents which have been under researched.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis K W Wong
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Albert P C Chan
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Andy K D Wong
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Carol K H Hon
- School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George St., Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia.
| | - Tracy N Y Choi
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
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Lilley R, Jaye C, Davie G, Keeling S, Waters D, Egan R. Age-related patterns in work-related injury claims from older New Zealanders, 2009-2013: Implications of injury for an aging workforce. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2018; 110:86-92. [PMID: 29112882 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2017.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study describes the incidence, nature and cause of work-related injuries in older New Zealand workers to understand the risks of work-related injury in this rapidly aging population. METHODS Data for the period 2009-2013 from 25,455 injured workers aged 55-79 years, extracted from national work-related injury entitlement claims, were stratified by age group and analysed by sex, industry, injury type and cause. Age-specific claims rates were calculated by year, sex and ethnicity. RESULTS Patterns of injury differed by age: 70-79 year olds had the highest injury rates and proportion of claims due to falls (45%), for the self-employed (32%), for the agriculture sector (24%), and for fatal injuries (5%). DISCUSSION The burden of work-related injuries in older workers, particularly in those aged over 70, will increase with their increasing participation in work. Workplace injury prevention strategies and interventions need to consider the specific characteristics and vulnerabilities of older workers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chrystal Jaye
- University of Otago, PO Box 5 Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Sally Keeling
- University of Otago, PO Box 5 Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Debra Waters
- University of Otago, PO Box 5 Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Richard Egan
- University of Otago, PO Box 5 Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Jovanović J, Šarac I, Đinđić N, Jovanović S. THE INFLUENCE OF WORKING CONDITIONS, HEALTH STATUS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WORKERS ON THE OCCURRENCE OF WORKPLACE INJURIES. ACTA MEDICA MEDIANAE 2017. [DOI: 10.5633/amm.2017.0403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Ahmed I, Shaukat MZ, Usman A, Nawaz MM, Nazir MS. Occupational health and safety issues in the informal economic segment of Pakistan: a survey of construction sites. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2017; 24:240-250. [PMID: 28795938 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2017.1366145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This research covers the current status of occupational health and safety (OHS)-related practices in the informal construction segment of Pakistan. Data were collected, through interviews, from 316 construction sites employing 3577 workers. The results of the study reveal that both employers and workers lack knowledge of OHS laws/standards and no practices of this nature are enacted at these construction sites. Alarmingly, work-related accidents, whenever they happen, are not given due attention and there is no formal injury-report system. The informal construction industry employs a huge portion of the informal workforce, and lack of OHS happens at tremendous human cost. These research findings may thus play their role in strengthening the case for reforms in the sector. This study, if properly utilized, may also enable employers of the sector by increasing their knowledge about OHS practices and, as a result, trying to offer safer environments for their workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishfaq Ahmed
- a Hailey College of Commerce , University of the Punjab , Pakistan
| | | | | | | | - Mian Sajid Nazir
- e Department of Management Science , Comsats Institute of Information Technology , Pakistan
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Pek S, Turner N, Tucker S, Kelloway EK, Morrish J. Injunctive safety norms, young worker risk-taking behaviors, and workplace injuries. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2017; 106:202-210. [PMID: 28641090 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Injunctive safety norms (ISNs) refer to perceptions of others' expectations of one's safety-related conduct. Drawing on a sample of Canadian young workers (n=11,986;M age=17.90years; 55% males), we study the relationships among four sources of non-work-related (i.e., parents, siblings, friends, teachers), two sources of work-related (i.e., supervisors, co-workers) ISNs, young workers' self-reported work-related risk-taking behaviors, and workplace injuries. Structural equation modeling suggests that ISNs from parents, supervisors, and co-workers were related to less frequent work-related risk-taking behaviors, and with fewer workplace injuries via less frequent work-related risk-taking behaviors. In addition, ISNs from supervisors were directly associated with fewer workplace injuries. In contrast, ISNs from teachers and siblings were not associated with work-related risk-taking behaviors, but ISNs from siblings were associated with fewer work injuries. Finally, ISNs from friends were associated with more frequent work-related risk-taking and more frequent work injuries via more frequent work-related risk-taking. This study draws attention to the relative roles of non-work sources of social influence and provides some evidence of how ISNs might be related to young workers' work-related risk-taking behaviors and their workplace injuries. It also contributes to practice by suggesting specific interventions that parents, supervisors, and co-workers could undertake to reduce young workers' work-related risk-taking and workplace injuries, namely encouraging youth to be safe at work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Pek
- Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University, Canada.
| | - Nick Turner
- Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Sean Tucker
- Faculty of Business Administration, University of Regina, Canada
| | | | - Jayne Morrish
- Jack and Nora Walker Canadian Centre for Lifespan Development Research, Brock University, Canada
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Boini S, Colin R, Grzebyk M. Effect of occupational safety and health education received during schooling on the incidence of workplace injuries in the first 2 years of occupational life: a prospective study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e015100. [PMID: 28720614 PMCID: PMC5541451 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine the effect of occupational safety and health (OSH) education during formal schooling on the incidence of workplace injuries (WIs) in young people starting their careers. We hypothesised that young people who had received OSH education during their schooling would have fewer WIs than those who received no OSH education. Secondary objectives focused on the effect of 'first aid at work' training during schooling and the conditions encountered on arrival in the company (occupational hazard information, safety training and job task training) on WI occurrence. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS From 2009 to 2012, French apprentices and students at the end of their schooling and starting their careers were included. OUTCOMES Occurrence of WIs. METHODS At the time of inclusion, information about school courses and personal characteristics were collected, and subsequent half-yearly contacts gathered information relating to work and personal data. During the 2-year follow-up, WIs were directly reported by participants and were identified by searching the French National Health Insurance Funds' databases listing compulsory WI declarations. RESULTS 755 participants reported holding 1290 jobs. During follow-up, 158 WIs were identified, corresponding to an incident rate of 0.12 (0.10 to 0.14) WIs per full-time worker. Subjects who reported having received OSH education at school had two times less WIs than those declaring not having received OSH education (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.51, 0.00 to 0.98). A lower WI risk was observed for participants who received the 'first aid at work' training (IRR=0.68, 0.00 to 0.98). The conditions on arrival in company were not associated with WIs occurrence. CONCLUSION In France, the OSH education provided to apprentices and students is mostly broader than the specific risks related to future jobs. Our results highlight the advantages of reinforcing this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Boini
- Department of Occupational Epidemiology, INRS, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Regis Colin
- Department of Occupational Epidemiology, INRS, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Michel Grzebyk
- Department of Occupational Epidemiology, INRS, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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Berriault CJ, Lightfoot NE, Seilkop SK, Conard BR. Injury mortality in a cohort of mining, smelting, and refining workers in Ontario. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2017; 72:220-230. [PMID: 27901411 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2016.1265479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Injury mortality was followed up from 1950 to 2000 in a cohort of 56,576 nickel workers. Injury fatalities were elevated throughout the cohort of never sinter plant workers (SMR = 134, 95% CI [129, 140]). Elevations were also observed in injury mortality subcategories of road, rail, and air (SMR = 137, 95% CI [127, 147]); boating and swimming (SMR = 150, 95% CI [128, 176]); suicide and possible suicide (SMR = 124, 95% CI [114, 135]); and possibly job-related accidents (SMR = 160, 95% CI [145, 175]). The results were largely attributed to underground miners, with 61.4% of all injury mortality (SMR = 162; 95% CI [153, 171]). Occupational etiology could not be ascertained; however, compiled workplace injury fatalities are presented separately. Recommendations include delivery of injury prevention and wellness programs in partnership with the local health unit and other stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Berriault
- a Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Care Ontario , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Nancy E Lightfoot
- b School of Rural and Northern Health , Laurentian University , Sudbury , Ontario , Canada
| | | | - Bruce R Conard
- d BR Conard Consulting Inc. , Oakville , Ontario , Canada
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Work Productivity Loss in Young Workers Is Substantial and Is Associated With Spinal Pain and Mental Ill-health Conditions. J Occup Environ Med 2017; 59:237-245. [PMID: 28267094 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of spinal pain and mental ill-health conditions on work productivity in 22-year-old workers. METHODS A cross-sectional design using data from the Raine Study cohort (n = 867) including self-reported work productivity and self-report of health practitioner diagnosed medical conditions. RESULT Mean (median, 25th-percentile, 75th-percentile) annualized cost of health-related absenteeism was $AUD1899 ($0, $0, $1738) per worker. Annualized cost of presenteeism was $AUD10,674 ($6573, $4003, $13,087) per worker. Spinal pain and mental ill-health conditions were associated with increased health-related absenteeism, but not presenteeism. CONCLUSION Work productivity loss in young workers is a substantial problem needing priority attention. Addressing spinal pain and mental ill-health may improve productivity of this important sector of the workforce.
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Wong IS, Breslin FC. Risk of work injury among adolescent students from single and partnered parent families. Am J Ind Med 2017; 60:285-294. [PMID: 28195658 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parental involvement in keeping their children safe at work has been examined in a handful of studies, with mixed results. Evidence has suggested that non-work injury risk is higher among children from single-parent families, but little is known about their risk for work-related injuries. METHODS Five survey cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey were pooled to create a nationally representative sample of employed 15-19-year old students (N = 16,620). Multivariable logistic regression estimated the association between family status and work injury. RESULTS Risk of work-related repetitive strains (OR:1.24, 95%CI: 0.69-2.22) did not differ by family type. However, children of single parents were less likely to sustain a work injury receiving immediate medical care (OR:0.43, 95%CI: 0.19-0.96). CONCLUSION Despite advantages and disadvantages related to family types, there is no evidence that work-related injury risk among adolescents from single parent families is greater than that of partnered-parent families. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:285-294, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imelda S. Wong
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and HealthCincinnatiOhio
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Salminen S, Perttula P, Ratilainen H, Kuosma E. The effect of demographic factors on occupational injuries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2016; 23:225-228. [PMID: 27927079 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2016.1247604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In Finland about 120,000 occupational injuries occur annually, the cost of which is over EUR 2 billion per year. This is why it is reasonable to analyze the effect of demographic factors like gender, age, tenure and mother tongue on occupational injuries. METHODS The participants consisted of 1681 employees from four Finnish companies, who reported their injuries from the last 3 years. RESULTS Gender or mother tongue did not associate with injury involvement. Employees younger than 25 years of age were more often involved in injuries than employees aged over 55 (odds ratio [OR] = 2.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.70, 4.23]). Employees with 2-10 years of experience in the company had a higher injury frequency than both novice and very experienced employees (OR = 2.01, 95% CI [1.60, 2.52]). CONCLUSIONS This study showed that age was a more important factor in injury involvement than gender, tenure or mother tongue. However, age was closely related to experience in the company. Prevention measures in the companies should thus focus on novice employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simo Salminen
- a Finnish Institute of Occupational Health , Finland
| | - Pia Perttula
- a Finnish Institute of Occupational Health , Finland
| | | | - Eeva Kuosma
- a Finnish Institute of Occupational Health , Finland
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Mangharam J, Moorin R, Straker L. A comparison of the burden and resultant risk associated with occupational falls from a height and on the same level in Australia. ERGONOMICS 2016; 59:1646-1660. [PMID: 27115867 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2016.1161244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Occupational falls are one of the leading causes of occupational injury and death internationally. This study described the nature of occupational falls following an analysis of workers compensation data in Western Australia. Frequencies, proportions and incidence rates were calculated following mechanism, gender, age and industry stratification. The natures of injury and bodily locations affected were compared between mechanisms of fall. Industry incidence rates were ranked and their corresponding proportions reported. Cost and lost time were described and risk scores for each burden type (incapacity, cost and lost time) were calculated and compared between fall mechanisms. Of all occupational falls, the proportion, incidence rates and risk scores of falls on same level were consistently greater compared to falls from a height. Gender, age and industry groups that appear to be at highest risk vary with the measure used and mechanism of incident. This study translates epidemiological information into a risk score that can aid in prioritisation. Practitioner Summary: This paper presents an in-depth analysis of Worker's Compensation claims for falls in Western Australia. Calculated proportion, incidence rates and formulated risk scores for falls on the level were consistently greater compared to falls from a height. Limitations associated with the analysis of large-scale data-sets are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Mangharam
- a Human Factors and Ergonomics Team, WorkSafe , Perth , Australia
- b School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science , Curtin University , Perth , Australia
| | - Rachael Moorin
- c Faculty of Health Sciences , Curtin University , Perth , Australia
- d Centre for Health Services Research, School of Population Health , University of Western Australia , Perth , Australia
| | - Leon Straker
- b School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science , Curtin University , Perth , Australia
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Okun AH, Guerin RJ, Schulte PA. Foundational workplace safety and health competencies for the emerging workforce. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2016; 59:43-51. [PMID: 27846998 PMCID: PMC5180424 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Young workers (aged 15-24) suffer disproportionately from workplace injuries, with a nonfatal injury rate estimated to be two times higher than among workers age 25 or over. These workers make up approximately 9% of the U.S. workforce and studies have shown that nearly 80% of high school students work at some point during high school. Although young worker injuries are a pressing public health problem, the critical knowledge and skills needed to prepare youth for safe and healthy work are missing from most frameworks used to prepare the emerging U.S. workforce. METHODS A framework of foundational workplace safety and health knowledge and skills (the NIOSH 8 Core Competencies) was developed based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). RESULTS The proposed NIOSH Core Competencies utilize the HBM to provide a framework for foundational workplace safety and health knowledge and skills. An examination of how these competencies and the HBM apply to actions that workers take to protect themselves is provided. The social and physical environments that influence these actions are also discussed. CONCLUSIONS The NIOSH 8 Core Competencies, grounded in one of the most widely used health behavior theories, fill a critical gap in preparing the emerging U.S. workforce to be cognizant of workplace risks. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Integration of the NIOSH 8 Core Competencies into school curricula is one way to ensure that every young person has the foundational workplace safety and health knowledge and skills to participate in, and benefit from, safe and healthy work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea H Okun
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA.
| | - Rebecca J Guerin
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA.
| | - Paul A Schulte
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA.
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Guerin RJ, Okun AH, Kelley P. Development and validation of an assessment tool for a national young worker curriculum. Am J Ind Med 2016; 59:969-978. [PMID: 27711978 PMCID: PMC5180418 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An online, multiple-choice assessment was developed and validated for Youth@Work-Talking Safety, a NIOSH curriculum that equips middle and high school students with foundational workplace safety and health knowledge and skills. METHODS Classical Test Theory was used for the test development and validation; the Jaeger method was used for cut score determination. A total of 118 multiple-choice items were developed to measure the acquisition of knowledge and skills taught through the NIOSH curriculum. Pilot testing was conducted with 192 8-12th grade students and a cut score was determined. RESULTS The mean score for all test-takers on the Talking Safety assessment was 80.9%; total test reliability measured using an Alpha/KR20 statistic was 0.93. A minimum passing (cut) score of 74% was established. CONCLUSIONS The assessment provides an objective measure of students' acquisition of the foundational workplace safety and health competencies taught through the Talking Safety curriculum. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:969-978, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Guerin
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Andrea H. Okun
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Oesterlund AH, Lander F, Rytter S, Lauritsen J. Selection bias in follow-up interviews with individuals attending the emergency department for occupational injuries. Inj Prev 2016; 23:152-157. [PMID: 27597401 DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2016-042034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether supplementary interview participation was comparable for occupationally injured patients attending two hospital emergency departments and to investigate the magnitude of selection bias in relation to sex, age, severity, job tasks and industry risk level. METHODS Workers aged 18-70 years who contacted the two emergency departments for an acute occupational injury in 2013 were eligible and given a short questionnaire. Following written consent, a semi-structured interview concerning health and transient risk factors was conducted by telephone. The two departments were compared for study recruitment by age and sex. Respondents and non-respondents to the interview were compared for age, sex, injury severity, job tasks and industry risk level. RESULTS Of 4002 patients attending the two hospitals, 1693 (42%) participated in the interview. One hospital had a markedly higher response rate to the questionnaire, but the proportions of participation in the interview were similar in the two hospitals. Patients aged <30 years were over-represented among non-respondents whereas sex, injury severity, job task and industry risk level were not significantly different between respondents and non-respondents. CONCLUSIONS Despite a relatively low interview participation rate among injured individuals attending the emergency department, selection bias was limited. This indicates that results regarding injury risk patterns may be more widely generalisable when examining the causality of occupational injuries. However, the study also showed that young injured workers were less likely to participate in follow-up interviews, which is an important factor when interpreting age-related risk of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna H Oesterlund
- Accident Analysis Group, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Flemming Lander
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Søren Rytter
- Department of Orthopedics, University Clinic for Hand, Hip and Knee Surgery, Regional Hospital West Jutland, Holstebro, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Jens Lauritsen
- Accident Analysis Group, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Mohammadfam I, Soltanzadeh A, Moghimbeigi A, Akbarzadeh M. Modeling of Individual and Organizational Factors Affecting Traumatic Occupational Injuries Based on the Structural Equation Modeling: A Case Study in Large Construction Industries. ARCHIVES OF TRAUMA RESEARCH 2016; 5:e33595. [PMID: 27800465 PMCID: PMC5079064 DOI: 10.5812/atr.33595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Revised: 01/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Individual and organizational factors are the factors influencing traumatic occupational injuries. Objectives The aim of the present study was the short path analysis of the severity of occupational injuries based on individual and organizational factors. Materials and Methods The present cross-sectional analytical study was implemented on traumatic occupational injuries within a ten-year timeframe in 13 large Iranian construction industries. Modeling and data analysis were done using the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach and the IBM SPSS AMOS statistical software version 22.0, respectively. Results The mean age and working experience of the injured workers were 28.03 ± 5.33 and 4.53 ± 3.82 years, respectively. The portions of construction and installation activities of traumatic occupational injuries were 64.4% and 18.1%, respectively. The SEM findings showed that the individual, organizational and accident type factors significantly were considered as effective factors on occupational injuries’ severity (P < 0.05). Conclusions Path analysis of occupational injuries based on the SEM reveals that individual and organizational factors and their indicator variables are very influential on the severity of traumatic occupational injuries. So, these should be considered to reduce occupational accidents’ severity in large construction industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iraj Mohammadfam
- Department of Occupational Hygiene Engineering, School of Public Health and Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, IR Iran
| | - Ahmad Soltanzadeh
- Department of Occupational Hygiene Engineering, School of Public Health and Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Ahmad Soltanzadeh, PhD Candidate, Department of Occupational Hygiene Engineering, School of Public Health and Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, IR Iran. Tel: +98-9120187486, E-mail:
| | - Abbas Moghimbeigi
- Modeling of Non-communicable Disease Research Center, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, IR Iran
| | - Mehdi Akbarzadeh
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Public Health Faculty, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, IR Iran
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Haas EJ, Mattson M. A Qualitative Comparison of Susceptibility and Behavior in Recreational and Occupational Risk Environments: Implications for Promoting Health and Safety. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2016; 21:705-13. [PMID: 27186684 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2016.1153765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Although internal factors that influence risk are frequently studied to understand human behavior, external factors, including social, cultural, and institutional factors, should be better utilized to inform ways to efficiently target, tailor, and promote safety messaging to at-risk populations. Semi-structured interviews obtained data from 37 motorcyclists and 18 mineworkers about their risk perceptions and behaviors within their respective dynamic environments. A comparative thematic analysis revealed information about external factors that influence risk perceptions and behaviors. Results support the importance of qualitative approaches for assessing and targeting individuals' risk perceptions and behaviors. In addition, segmenting at-risk subgroups within target populations and tailoring messages for these at-risk groups is critical for safety behavior modification. Practitioners should utilize strategic, culture-centric risk communication that takes into account external factors when determining when, who, and what to communicate via health promotion activities to more accurately disseminate valid, empathetic, and engaging communication with a higher level of fidelity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Joy Haas
- a Office of Mine Safety and Health Research , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania , USA
- b Brian Lamb School of Communication , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana , USA
| | - Marifran Mattson
- b Brian Lamb School of Communication , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana , USA
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Zierold KM, McGeeney TJ. Communication breakdown: How working teens’ perceptions of their supervisors impact safety and injury. Work 2016; 54:3-9. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-162290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Alali H, Abdel Wahab M, Van Hecke T, Braeckman L. Work accident victims: a comparison between non-standard and standard workers in Belgium. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2016; 22:99-106. [PMID: 27092408 DOI: 10.1080/10773525.2016.1168588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fast growth of non-standard employment in developed countries highlights the importance of studying the influence of contract type on worker's safety and health. OBJECTIVE The main purpose of our study is to investigate whether non-standard workers are more injured than standard workers or not. Additionally, other risk factors for occupational accidents are investigated. METHODS Data from the Belgian surveys on work ability in 2009 and 2011 are used. During their annual occupational health examination, workers were asked to fill in a self-administered questionnaire. In total, 1886 complete responses are collected and analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS Temporary workers did not have higher injury rates than permanent workers [OR 0.5, 95% confidence interval 0.2-1.2]. Low-educated, less-experienced workers and those exposed to dangerous conditions are more frequent victims of occupational accidents. CONCLUSION The present data do not support the hypothesis that non-standard workers have more injuries than standard workers. Our results about occupational accidents derived from a non-representative sample of the Belgian workforce and cannot be generalized due to the heterogeneity in job organization and labor regulations between countries. Further research is needed to extend our findings and to seek other factors that may be associated with work accidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan Alali
- a Faculty of Engineering and Architecture , Ghent University , Gent , Belgium
| | - Magd Abdel Wahab
- a Faculty of Engineering and Architecture , Ghent University , Gent , Belgium
| | - Tanja Van Hecke
- b Department of Industrial Technology and Construction , Ghent University , Ghent , Belgium
| | - Lutgart Braeckman
- c Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Ghent University , Gent , Belgium
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Basha SA, Maiti J. Assessment of work compatibility across employees' demographics: a case study. Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2016; 24:106-119. [PMID: 26787217 DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2015.1132736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
'Work compatibility' (WC) is a multi-dimensional diagnostic tool for measuring human performance that affects safety performance of work force. There are a dearth of literature on the use of WC in industrial applications. In this study, the status of WC and its components across employees' demographics such as age, experience, designation and location of work were examined in a steel plant in India. Data on 119 employees collected using Demand-Energizer Instrument was analysed. The results revealed that supervisors perceive higher energizers, higher demands and low WC as compared to workers. Older and high experience employees perceive higher energizers, lower demands and high WC as compared to younger and less experienced employees. All employee groups perceive higher demand for physical environment and physical task content. The problematic work groups identified are less experienced employees and workers in 'allied sections'. The outcomes of the study help the management in three ways to improve human performance at work places: (i) it provides useful information about the work factors to be considered for intervention design, (ii) it identifies the work groups to be targeted while preparing intervention strategies and (iii) it can be used as a leading indicator of human performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Basha
- a Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering , IIT Kharagpur , West Bengal , India
| | - J Maiti
- a Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering , IIT Kharagpur , West Bengal , India
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Castillo-Rosa J, Suárez-Cebador M, Rubio-Romero JC, Aguado JA. A decade of occupational accidents due to direct or indirect electrical contact in the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors in Spain (2003-2012). Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2016; 24:97-105. [PMID: 26739953 DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2015.1132735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Occupational accidents caused by electrical contact are a major concern worldwide due to their severe consequences. The study conducted is based on an analysis of the evolution of incidence rates and dependence between variables for 14,022 electrical accidents occurring in Spain between 2003 and 2012. The results show that electrical accidents as a whole are 3.6 times more likely to have severe consequences than the rest of the accidents in the country. This proportion is even nine times greater in the case of fatal accidents. They also confirm a significant relationship between the severity of this type of accidents and the economic sector in which they occur. On the other hand, there is a positive trend in the reduction of the incidence rate, especially in relation to direct contact, although unexpectedly the rate of accidents due to indirect contact is on the rise. Thus, preventing electrical occupational accidents requires efforts to guarantee adequate training adapted to the needs of workers in the various economic sectors. Furthermore, those responsible for safety should work to implement mechanisms to monitor and control compliance with efficient protective measures against electrical contact.
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López-Arquillos A, Rubio-Romero JC, Gibb A. Accident data study of concrete construction companies' similarities and differences between qualified and non-qualified workers in Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2015; 21:486-92. [DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2015.1085750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Parish M, Rohlman DS, Elliot DL, Lasarev M. Factors associated with occupational injuries in seasonal young workers. Occup Med (Lond) 2015; 66:164-7. [DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqv183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Jadhav R, Achutan C, Haynatzki G, Rajaram S, Rautiainen R. Risk Factors for Agricultural Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Agromedicine 2015; 20:434-49. [DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2015.1075450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Jadhav
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Chandran Achutan
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Gleb Haynatzki
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Shireen Rajaram
- Department of Health Promotion, Social and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Risto Rautiainen
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Alizadeh SS, Mortazavi SB, Sepehri MM. Analysis of Occupational Accident Fatalities and Injuries Among Male Group in Iran Between 2008 and 2012. IRANIAN RED CRESCENT MEDICAL JOURNAL 2015; 17:e18976. [PMID: 26568848 PMCID: PMC4640057 DOI: 10.5812/ircmj.18976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background: Because of occupational accidents, permanent disabilities and deaths occur and economic and workday losses emerge. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the factors responsible for occupational accidents occurred in Iran. Patients and Methods: The current study analyzed 1464 occupational accidents recorded by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs’ offices in Iran during 2008 - 2012. At first, general understanding of accidents was obtained using descriptive statistics. Afterwards, the chi-square test and Cramer’s V statistic (Vc) were used to determine the association between factors influencing the type of injury as occupational accident outcomes. Results: There was no significant association between marital status and time of day with the type of injury. However, activity sector, cause of accident, victim’s education, age of victim and victim’s experience were significantly associated with the type of injury. Conclusions: Successful accident prevention relies largely on knowledge about the causes of accidents. In any accident control activity, particularly in occupational accidents, correctly identifying high-risk groups and factors influencing accidents is the key to successful interventions. Results of this study can cause to increase accident awareness and enable workplace’s management to select and prioritize problem areas and safety system weakness in workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Shamseddin Alizadeh
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Health Faculty, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran
| | - Seyed Bagher Mortazavi
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Health Faculty, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran
- Corresponding Author: Seyed Bagher Mortazavi, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2182883825, E-mail:
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Sepehri
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IR Iran
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The investigation of the impacts of major disasters, on the basis of the Van earthquake (October 23, 2011, Turkey), on the profile of the injuries due to occupational accidents. J Forensic Leg Med 2015; 35:19-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2015.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Dillender M. The effect of health insurance on workers' compensation filing: Evidence from the affordable care act's age-based threshold for dependent coverage. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS 2015; 43:204-228. [PMID: 26272545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This paper identifies the effect of health insurance on workers' compensation (WC) filing for young adults by implementing a regression discontinuity design using WC medical claims data from Texas. The results suggest health insurance factors into the decision to have WC pay for discretionary care. The implied instrumental variables estimates suggest a ten-percentage-point decrease in health insurance coverage increases WC bills by 15.3 percent. Despite the large impact of health insurance on the number of WC bills, the additional cost to WC at age 26 appears to be small as most of the increase comes from small bills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Dillender
- W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, 300 S. Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007-4686, United States.
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Castel ES, Ginsburg LR, Zaheer S, Tamim H. Understanding nurses' and physicians' fear of repercussions for reporting errors: clinician characteristics, organization demographics, or leadership factors? BMC Health Serv Res 2015; 15:326. [PMID: 26272228 PMCID: PMC4542128 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-015-0987-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Identifying and understanding factors influencing fear of repercussions for reporting and discussing medical errors in nurses and physicians remains an important area of inquiry. Work is needed to disentangle the role of clinician characteristics from those of the organization-level and unit-level safety environments in which these clinicians work and learn, as well as probing the differing reporting behaviours of nurses and physicians. This study examines the influence of clinician demographics (age, gender, and tenure), organization demographics (teaching status, location of care, and province) and leadership factors (organization and unit leadership support for safety) on fear of repercussions, and does so for nurses and physicians separately. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of 2319 nurse and 386 physician responders from three Canadian provinces to the Modified Stanford patient safety climate survey (MSI-06). Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis, multiple linear regression, and hierarchical linear regression. Results Age, gender, tenure, teaching status, and province were not significantly associated with fear of repercussions for nurses or physicians. Mental health nurses had poorer fear responses than their peers outside of these areas, as did community physicians. Strong organization and unit leadership support for safety explained the most variance in fear for both nurses and physicians. Conclusions The absence of associations between several plausible factors including age, tenure and teaching status suggests that fear is a complex construct requiring more study. Substantially differing fear responses across locations of care indicate areas where interventions may be needed. In addition, since factors affecting fear of repercussions appear to be different for nurses and physicians, tailoring patient safety initiatives to each group may, in some instances, be fruitful. Although further investigation is needed to examine these and other factors in detail, supportive safety leadership appears to be central to reducing fear of reporting errors for both nurses and physicians. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-015-0987-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan S Castel
- Department of Geography and Planning / Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | | | - Shahram Zaheer
- Health Policy & Management, York University, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Hala Tamim
- School of Kinesiology & Health Science, York University, Toronto, Canada.
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Newman KL, Leon JS, Newman LS. Estimating Occupational Illness, Injury, and Mortality in Food Production in the United States: A Farm-to-Table Analysis. J Occup Environ Med 2015; 57:718-25. [PMID: 25970031 PMCID: PMC4494896 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study provides a novel model and more comprehensive estimates of the burden of occupational morbidity and mortality in food-related industries, using a farm-to-table approach. METHODS The authors analyzed 2008 to 2010 US Bureau of Labor Statistics data for private industries in the different stages of the farm-to-table model (production, processing, distribution and storage, and retail and preparation). RESULTS The morbidity rate for food system industries was significantly higher than the morbidity rate for nonfood system industries (rate ratio = 1.62; 95% confidence interval = 1.30 to 2.01). Furthermore, the occupational mortality rate for food system industries was significantly higher than the national nonfood occupational mortality rate (rate ratio = 9.51; 95% confidence interval = 2.47 to 36.58). CONCLUSIONS This is the first use of the farm-to-table model to assess occupational morbidity and mortality, and these findings highlighting specific workplace hazards across food system industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira L. Newman
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health and Laney Graduate School, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd, NE, Atlanta, GA, USA 30322, Phone: 1-720-201-6043, Fax: 1-404-727-4590
| | - Juan S. Leon
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lee S. Newman
- Center for Worker Health and Environment, Colorado School of Public Health and School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Abstract
AIMS Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is typically associated with high-risk population groups, but the risk of PTSD that is associated with trauma experienced in the community, and effect of changes in diagnostic criteria in DSM-5 on prevalence in the general population, is unknown. METHODS Cross-sectional analysis of population-based data from 4558 adults aged 25-83 years resident in Caerphilly county borough, Wales, UK. Exposure to different traumatic events was assessed using categorisation of free-text descriptions of trauma. PTSD caseness was determined using items assessing Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV (DSM-IV) and DSM-5 A criteria and the Traumatic Screening Questionnaire. RESULTS Of the 4558 participants, 1971 (47.0%) reported a traumatic event. The most common DSM-IV A1 qualifying trauma was life-threatening illnesses and injuries (13.6%). The highest risk of PTSD was associated with assaultive violence [34.1%]. The prevalence of PTSD using DSM-IV A criteria was 14.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 12.8, 15.9%). Using DSM-5 A criteria reduced the prevalence to 8.0 (95% CI = 6.9, 9.4%), primarily due to exclusion of DSM-IV A1 qualifying events, such as life-threatening illnesses. CONCLUSIONS Nearly one-half of a general community sample had experienced a traumatic event and of these around one in seven was a DSM-IV case of PTSD. Although the majority of research has concentrated on combat, rape and assaultive violence, life threatening illness is a more common cause of PTSD in the community. Removal of this traumatic event in DSM-5 could reduce the number of cases of PTSD by around 6.0%.
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Turner N, Tucker S, Kelloway EK. Prevalence and demographic differences in microaccidents and safety behaviors among young workers in Canada. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2015; 53:39-43. [PMID: 25933996 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Revised: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The present study examines the self-reported frequency of non-lost work time workplace injuries ("microaccidents") and the frequency of three types of work-related safety behaviors (i.e., safety voice, safety compliance, and safety neglect) recalled over a four-week period. METHOD We analyzed data on microaccidents and safety behaviors from 19,547 young workers (aged 15-25years, Mdn=18years; 55% male) from multiple Canadian provinces. RESULTS Approximately one-third of all young workers recalled experiencing at least one microaccident at work in the last four weeks. Comparisons across three age groups revealed that younger workers, particularly between the ages of 15-18, reported more frequent microaccidents, less safety voice, less safety compliance, and more safety neglect than workers aged 19-22. This pattern of results also held for comparisons between workers in 19-22 and 23-25 age groups, except for safety voice which did not differ between these two older age groups. In terms of gender, males and females reported the same frequency of microaccidents, but males reported more safety voice, more safety compliance, and more safety neglect than females did. The results and limitations of the present study are discussed. CONCLUSION Frequency of microaccidents and safety behavior vary among young worker age sub-groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Turner
- Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Sean Tucker
- Faculty of Business Administration, University of Regina, Canada.
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Amiri M, Ardeshir A, Fazel Zarandi MH, Soltanaghaei E. Pattern extraction for high-risk accidents in the construction industry: a data-mining approach. Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2015; 23:264-76. [DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2015.1032979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Graves JM, Miller ME. Reduced sleep duration and history of work-related injuries among Washington State adolescents with a history of working. Am J Ind Med 2015; 58:464-71. [PMID: 25712405 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between sleep and occupational injury risk has not been adequately explored for working adolescents. METHODS Data were analyzed from the 2010 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey of 8th, 10th, and 12th grade public school students. Teens reported average school and weekend night sleep hours and history of work-related injury that received medical treatment. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated the association between sleep duration and occupational injury. RESULTS Of 4,144 working teens, 6.4% reported ever having an occupational injury. Teens who sleep ≤5 hr/school night had greater odds of a history of occupational injury than those sleeping 8 hr (OR:2.91, 95% CI:1.85-4.57). No significant association was observed for weekend night sleep duration. CONCLUSIONS Reduced school night sleep was associated with increased odds of work-related injury in adolescents. Long hours and late night schedules may contribute to decreased sleep time and potentially have other health and developmental impacts for youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janessa M. Graves
- College of Nursing (Spokane); Washington State University; Spokane Washington
| | - Mary E. Miller
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries; Olympia Washington
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Analysis of new workers' compensation claims in the Department of Defense civilian workforce, 2000-2012. J Occup Environ Med 2015; 57 Suppl 3:S20-6. [PMID: 25741610 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study of Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees Workers' Compensation (WC) claims for chargeback year 2000 through 2012 aimed to analyze the frequency, rates, and costs of WC claims representing 5% of the DoD annual personnel budget. METHODS A multiyear cross-sectional study of WC claims data identified the top five most frequent causes, natures, and anatomical sites; changes in frequency, worker age, costs, and time were evaluated for trends. RESULTS The annual frequency and rate of new DoD WC claims decreased over time, whereas costs per new claim have increased. New claim frequencies, rates, and costs aggregated in older age groups. CONCLUSIONS The increasing trend in costs of each claim and the overall program costs presents a need for case management. Analysis of WC claims data is necessary to help target injury prevention efforts and reduce program costs.
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AL-Abdallat EM, Oqailan AMA, Al Ali R, Hudaib AA, Salameh GA. Occupational fatalities in Jordan. J Forensic Leg Med 2015; 29:25-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 11/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Tucker S, Diekrager D, Turner N, Kelloway EK. Work-related injury underreporting among young workers: prevalence, gender differences, and explanations for underreporting. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2014; 50:67-73. [PMID: 25142362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although notifying an employer of a lost-time work-related injury is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, employees frequently do not report such injuries. METHOD Based on data from 21,345 young part-time Canadian workers (55% male), we found that 21% of respondents had experienced at least one lost-time injury, with about half reporting the injury to an employer and a doctor. RESULTS Respondents provided 10 reasons for avoiding reporting lost-time injuries, with perceived low severity of the injury, negative reactions of others, and ambiguity about whether work caused the injury as the most common ones. Additional analysis of these categories revealed that young males cited concern about their self-identity as a reason for not reporting an injury more often than young females did. We discuss the findings in terms of implications for management practice (i.e., educating young workers about accurate injury reporting) and public policy. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Targeted campaigns should be developed for young workers, especially young male workers, who are less likely to report injuries than young female workers, to understand the importance of and to encourage injury reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Tucker
- University of Regina, Faculty of Business Administration, Canada.
| | - Dayle Diekrager
- University of Regina, Faculty of Business Administration, Canada
| | - Nick Turner
- University of Manitoba, School of Business, Canada
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91
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Andersson IM, Gunnarsson K, Rosèn G, Moström Åberg M. Knowledge and Experiences of Risks among Pupils in Vocational Education. Saf Health Work 2014; 5:140-6. [PMID: 25379328 PMCID: PMC4213894 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2014.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Young male and female workers are over-represented in statistics concerning negative outcomes of poor work environment and risky work. Young workers often have low awareness of risk, a lack of safety training, and inadequate introduction to the work. The aim of this study was to identify the knowledge and experiences of pupils of vocational schools concerning potential work environment risks in their future work. Methods The study design was a dual one, and included a questionnaire and focus group interviews. The study group consisted of 239 pupils from 10 upper secondary schools, who were graduating pupils in four vocational programs: the Industrial Technology Programme, the Restaurant Management and Food Programme, the Transport Programme, and the Handicraft Programme (in which students specialize in wood products). The upper secondary schools were located in the central region of Sweden. Results The pupils had limited knowledge that employers must, by law, conduct risk analyses and prevent risks. Many felt that they themselves are mainly responsible for performing their tasks safely. Pupils in all programs mentioned acute risk as the greatest risk at work. The theoretical education about safety at work was provided in the 1st year of the 3-year vocational programs. Conclusion A systematic approach to pupils' training in work environment, which is a basis for a safe and healthy workplace, is lacking. The study findings indicate that pupils are offered knowledge far from that intended by laws and by state-of-the-art occupational health risk research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ing-Marie Andersson
- School of Technology and Business Studies, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
| | - Kristina Gunnarsson
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Rosèn
- School of Technology and Business Studies, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
| | - Marie Moström Åberg
- School of Technology and Business Studies, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
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Uehli K, Miedinger D, Bingisser R, Dürr S, Holsboer-Trachsler E, Maier S, Mehta AJ, Müller R, Schindler C, Zogg S, Künzli N, Leuppi JD. Sleep quality and the risk of work injury: a Swiss case-control study. J Sleep Res 2014; 23:545-53. [PMID: 24889190 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.12146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sleep problems are a well-known risk factor for work injuries, but less is known about which vulnerable populations are most at risk. The aims of this study were to investigate the association between sleep quality and the risk of work injury and to identify factors that may modify the association. A case-control study including 180 cases and 551 controls was conducted at the University Hospital in Basel, Switzerland, from 1 December 2009 to 30 June 2011. Data on work injuries and sleep quality were collected. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of the association between sleep quality and work injury were estimated in multivariable logistic regression analyses and were stratified by hypothesized effect modifiers (age, gender, job risk, shift work, sleep duration and working hours). Poor sleep quality was associated significantly with work injury of any type (P < 0.05) and with being caught in particular (P < 0.05). The association between poor sleep quality and work injury was significantly higher for workers older than 30 years (odds ratio>30 1.30 versus odds ratio≤30 0.91, P < 0.01), sleeping 7 h or less per night (odds ratio≤7 1.17 versus odds ratio>7 0.79, P < 0.05) and working 50 h or more per week (odds ratio≥50 1.79 versus odd ratio<50 1.10, P < 0.01). Work injury risk increased with increasing severity of sleep problems (P < 0.05). Prior work injury frequency increased with decreasing sleep quality (P < 0.05). Older age, short sleep duration and long working hours may enhance the risk of work injuries associated with sleep quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Uehli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund (Suva), Luzern, Switzerland
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Chau N, Dehaene D, Benamghar L, Bourgkard E, Mur JM, Touron C, Wild P. Roles of age, length of service and job in work-related injury: a prospective study of 63,620 person-years in female workers. Am J Ind Med 2014; 57:172-83. [PMID: 24115010 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The roles of age, length of service and job in various work-related injury types are unknown and deserve investigations among female workers. This study assessed their roles in the occurrence of injury. METHODS Three-year prospective study of all 22,952 permanently employed women at the French national railway company: 63,620 person-years, 756 injuries with working days lost, coded using the company's injury classification derived from that of the French health insurance scheme. We investigated the incidence of four types of injury: fall on same level, fall to lower level, materials/equipment/objects handling, and other injuries. Data were analyzed using negative binomial regression. RESULTS Workers aged <25 were subject to a higher risk for all types of injuries. Older workers (45-55 years) were subject to a higher injury risk for fall on same level and fall to lower level. For fall on same level as for fall to lower level the relative risk decreased steadily with increasing length of service with the company, from 1.60 for 1 year to 0.50-0.60 for ≥30 years. For injuries due to materials/equipment/objects handling the relative risk decreased from 1.05 for one year to 0.49 for 5-9 years, and then increased to about 1.50 for 20-29 years and ≥30 years. CONCLUSIONS Younger and shorter lengths of service were at risk for various types of injuries. Higher length of service was at risk for injury due to materials/equipment/objects handling. Preventive measures should consider the respective risks associated with age, years of employment and job.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nearkasen Chau
- INSERM; U669, Paris; Univ Paris-Sud and Univ Paris Descartes; Paris France
| | - Dominique Dehaene
- Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer; Direction des Ressources Humaines; Département des Conditions du Travail et Facteurs Humains; Paris France
| | | | - Eve Bourgkard
- Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité (INRS); WHO Collaborative Centre; Department of Epidemiology; Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy France
| | - Jean-Marie Mur
- INSERM; U420; Faculty of Medicine; Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy France
| | - Christian Touron
- Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer; Direction des Ressources Humaines; Département des Services Médicaux; Paris France
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de la Fuente VS, López MAC, González IF, Alcántara OJG, Ritzel DO. The impact of the economic crisis on occupational injuries. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2014; 48:77-85. [PMID: 24529095 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2013.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The potential influence of the current economic crisis on occupational accident rates and accident severity is studied in an analysis of all workplace accidents that occurred in Spain throughout the period 2000-2009. METHOD AND RESULTS The investigation confirms that occupational accidents in Spain are affected by the current economic crisis, which has provoked a sharp fall in both the number of accidents and the probability of having one. This may be justified by certain factors such as age, gender, length of service, size of the firm, and the employment stability of the injured worker. The influence of these factors is analyzed. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The economic crises seems to provoke a sort of "natural selection" in the labor market and only the best adapted tend to remain (older workers, with more experience, a higher percentage of women, more workers in larger companies and permanent contracts), all of which means that the probability of workers having an injury is considerably reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Dale O Ritzel
- Safety Center, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901-6731, USA.
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Suárez-Cebador M, Rubio-Romero JC, López-Arquillos A. Severity of electrical accidents in the construction industry in Spain. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2014; 48:63-70. [PMID: 24529093 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2013.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Revised: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
PROBLEM This paper analyzes the severity of workplace accidents involving electricity in the Spanish construction sector comprising 2,776 accidents from 2003 to 2008. METHOD The investigation considered the impact of 13 variables, classified into 5 categories: Personal, Business, Temporal, Material, and Spatial. RESULTS The findings showed that electrical accidents are almost five times more likely to have serious consequences than the average accident in the sector and it also showed how the variables of age, occupation, company size, length of service, preventive measures, time of day, days of absence, physical activity, material agent, type of injury, body part injured, accident location, and type of location are related to the severity of the electrical accidents under consideration. SUMMARY The present situation makes it clear that greater effort needs to be made in training, monitoring, and signage to guarantee a safe working environment in relation to electrical hazards. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS This research enables safety technicians, companies, and government officials to identify priorities and to design training strategies to minimize the serious consequences of electrical accidents for construction workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Suárez-Cebador
- University of Málaga, E.T.S.I. Industriales, C/Dr. Ortiz Ramos, s/n (Teatinos), 29071 Málaga, Spain.
| | | | - Antonio López-Arquillos
- University of Málaga, E.T.S.I. Industriales, C/Dr. Ortiz Ramos, s/n (Teatinos), 29071 Málaga, Spain.
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The role of occupational activities and work environment in occupational injury and interplay of personal factors in various age groups among Indian and French coalminers. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2014; 26:910-29. [PMID: 24464569 DOI: 10.2478/s13382-013-0165-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The role of occupational hazards in occupational injury may be mediated by individual factors across various age groups. This study assessed the role of occupational hazards as well as contribution of individual factors to injuries among Indian and French coalminers. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a case-control study on 245 injured workers and on 330 controls without any injuries from Indian coal mines using face-to-face interviews, and a retrospective study on 516 French coalminers using a self-administered questionnaire including potential occupational and personal factors. Data were analyzed using logistic models. RESULTS The annual rate of injuries was 5.5% for Indian coalminers and 14.9% for the French ones. Logistic model including all occupational factors showed that major injury causes were: hand-tools, material handling, machines, and environment/work-geological/strata conditions among Indian miners (adjusted odds-ratios 2.01 to 3.30) and biomechanical exposure score among French miners (adjusted odds-ratio 3.01 for score the 1-4, 3.47 for the score 5-7, and 7.26 for score ≥ 8, vs. score 0). Personal factors among Indian and French coalminers reduced/exacerbated the roles of various occupational hazards to a different extent depending on workers' age. CONCLUSION We conclude that injury roles of occupational hazards were reduced or exacerbated by personal factors depending on workers' age in both populations. This knowledge is useful when designing prevention which should definitely consider workers' age.
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Mehrdad R, Seifmanesh S, Chavoshi F, Aminian O, Izadi N. Epidemiology of occupational accidents in iran based on social security organization database. IRANIAN RED CRESCENT MEDICAL JOURNAL 2014; 16:e10359. [PMID: 24719699 PMCID: PMC3964417 DOI: 10.5812/ircmj.10359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Background: Today, occupational accidents are one of the most important problems in industrial world. Due to lack of appropriate system for registration and reporting, there is no accurate statistics of occupational accidents all over the world especially in developing countries. Objectives: The aim of this study is epidemiological assessment of occupational accidents in Iran. Materials and Methods: Information of available occupational accidents in Social Security Organization was extracted from accident reporting and registration forms. In this cross-sectional study, gender, age, economic activity, type of accident and injured body part in 22158 registered accidents during 2008 were described. Results: The occupational accidents rate was 253 in 100,000 workers in 2008. 98.2% of injured workers were men. The mean age of injured workers was 32.07 ± 9.12 years. The highest percentage belonged to age group of 25-34 years old. In our study, most of the accidents occurred in basic metals industry, electrical and non-electrical machines and construction industry. Falling down from height and crush injury were the most prevalent accidents. Upper and lower extremities were the most common injured body parts. Conclusion: Due to the high rate of accidents in metal and construction industries, engineering controls, the use of appropriate protective equipment and safety worker training seems necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Mehrdad
- Center for Research on Occupational Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Shahdokht Seifmanesh
- Center for Research on Occupational Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Farzaneh Chavoshi
- Center for Research on Occupational Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Omid Aminian
- Center for Research on Occupational Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Nazanin Izadi
- Center for Research on Occupational Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding Author: Nazanin Izadi, Center for Research on Occupational Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran. Tell: +98-2166405588, E-mail:
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Balanay JAG, Adesina A, Kearney GD, Richards SL. Assessment of occupational health and safety hazard exposures among working college students. Am J Ind Med 2014; 57:114-24. [PMID: 24105882 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents and young adults have higher injury rates than their adult counterparts in similar jobs. This study used the working college student population to assess health and safety hazards in the workplace, characterize related occupational diseases and injuries, and describe worker health/safety activities provided by employers. METHODS College students (≥17 years old) were assessed via online surveys about work history, workplace exposure to hazards, occupational diseases/injuries, and workplace health/safety activities. RESULTS Approximately half (51%) of participants (n = 1,147) were currently employed at the time of the survey or had been employed while enrolled in college. Restaurants (other than fast food) were the most frequently reported work setting. The most reported workplace hazards included noise exposure and contact with hot liquids/surfaces. Twenty percent of working students experienced injury at work; some injuries were severe enough to limit students' normal activities for >3 days (30%) or require medical attention (44%). Men had significantly higher prevalence of injuries (P = 0.05) and near-misses (P < 0.01) at work than women. Injury occurrence was associated with near-misses (AOR = 5.08, P < 0.01) and co-worker injuries (AOR = 3.19, P < 0.01) after gender and age adjustments. Most (77%) received worker safety training and half were given personal protective equipment (PPE) by their employers. CONCLUSIONS Risk reduction from workplace injuries and illnesses among working college students may be achieved by implementing occupational health and safety (OHS) strategies including incorporation of OHS in the college curriculum, promotion of OHS by university/college student health services, and improving awareness of OHS online resources among college students, employers, and educators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Anne G. Balanay
- Environmental Health Sciences Program; Department of Health Education and Promotion; College of Health and Human Performance; East Carolina University; Greenville North Carolina
| | - Adepeju Adesina
- Environmental Health Sciences Program; Department of Health Education and Promotion; College of Health and Human Performance; East Carolina University; Greenville North Carolina
| | - Gregory D. Kearney
- Department of Public Health; Brody School of Medicine; East Carolina University; Greenville North Carolina
| | - Stephanie L. Richards
- Environmental Health Sciences Program; Department of Health Education and Promotion; College of Health and Human Performance; East Carolina University; Greenville North Carolina
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Bena A, Giraudo M, Leombruni R, Costa G. Job tenure and work injuries: a multivariate analysis of the relation with previous experience and differences by age. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:869. [PMID: 24053157 PMCID: PMC3849089 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background One of the consequences of the increasing flexibility in contemporary labour markets is that individuals change jobs more frequently than in the past. Indeed, in many cases, through collecting a lot of contracts, individuals work in the same economic sector or even in the same company, doing the same job in the same way as existing colleagues. A very long literature has established that newly hired workers – whatever the contract type – are more likely to be injured than those with longer job tenures. The objectives of this paper are: 1) to study the relationship between job tenure and injury risk taking into account past experience as a possible confounder; and 2) to evaluate how the effects of past experience and job tenure are modified by age. Methods Using a longitudinal national database, we considered only job contracts starting in 1998–2003 held by men working as blue collars or apprentices in the non-agricultural private sector. We calculated injury rates stratified by job tenure and age. Multivariate analyses were adjusted for background variables and previous experience accrued in the same economic sector of the current job. Results In the study period 58,271 workers who had experienced 10,260 injuries were observed. These people worked on 115,277 contracts in the six years observed (1.98 contracts per worker). Injury rates decrease with job tenure; the trend is the same in each age group; young workers have both the highest injury rate (9.20; CI 95%: 8.95-9.45) and the highest decrease with job tenure. Previous experience is associated with a decreasing injury rate in all age groups and for all job tenures. Multivariate analyses show that, even after checking for previous experience, workers with job tenure of less than 6 months show always higher relative risks compared with job tenure > 2 years: relative risk is 41% higher among under-thirty workers; it is 22% higher among people over forty. Previous experience is protective against injury risk in workers over thirty: after checking for all other variables, relative risk is lower in workers who have accumulated more than 5 years of experience. Conclusions In a context in which career fragmentation is increasing, workers find themselves more and more in the "high risk" period and only individuals who are able to build their career with similar jobs may mitigate the higher risks thanks to their past experience. If institutions don’t adopt appropriate prevention policies, injury risk is likely to increase, especially among young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Bena
- Department of Epidemiology, Servizio di Epidemiologia - Settore rischi e danni da lavoro - ASL TO3 - Grugliasco, Via Sabaudia 164 Grugliasco, Turin 10095, Italy.
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Karttunen JP, Rautiainen RH. Distribution and characteristics of occupational injuries and diseases among farmers: a retrospective analysis of workers' compensation claims. Am J Ind Med 2013; 56:856-69. [PMID: 23720353 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 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. METHODS 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). RESULTS 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. CONCLUSIONS 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.
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