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Rey-Merchán MDC, Gómez-de-Gabriel JM, López-Arquillos A, Choi SD. Analysis of Falls from Height Variables in Occupational Accidents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:13417. [PMID: 34949023 PMCID: PMC8705043 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Fall-from-height accidents are linked to severe and fatal consequences for impacted workers. A better understanding of the related variables is necessary to improve worker safety. This study analyzed all fall-from-height occupational accidents recorded in Spain from 2009 to 2019, selected significant variables, and evaluated the influence concerning the seriousness of the falls from height. Based on a total of 290,583 fall-from-height accidents, the study shows that a male inexperienced worker in a small company working in a non-habitual workplace is more likely to suffer fatal consequences once the accident happens. An improved knowledge of fall-from-height accidents will improve safety conditions. The workers should be trained and informed about their specific risk depending on the variables analyzed. Safety training should consider more risky profiles. Results from the current study can help identify suitable fall prevention and risk mitigation actions in safety programs for companies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sang D. Choi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Wisconsin, WI 53190, USA;
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2
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Schoenfisch AL, Lipscomb H, Sinyai C, Adams D. Effectiveness of OSHA Outreach Training on carpenters' work-related injury rates, Washington State 2000-2008. Am J Ind Med 2017; 60:45-57. [PMID: 27779309 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22665] [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] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the size and breadth of OSHA's Outreach Training program for construction, information on its impact on work-related injury rates is limited. METHODS In a 9-year dynamic cohort of 17,106 union carpenters in Washington State, the effectiveness of OSHA Outreach Training on workers' compensation claims rate was explored. Injury rates were calculated by training status overall and by carpenters' demographic and work characteristics using Poisson regression. RESULTS OSHA Outreach Training resulted in a 13% non-significant reduction in injury claims rates overall. The protective effect was more pronounced for carpenters in their apprenticeship years, drywall installers, and with increasing time since training. CONCLUSIONS In line with these observed effects and prior research, it is unrealistic to expect OSHA Outreach Training alone to have large effects on union construction workers' injury rates. Standard construction industry practice should include hazard awareness and protection training, coupled with more efficient approaches to injury control. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:45-57, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L. Schoenfisch
- Duke University School of Nursing; Durham North Carolina
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; Department of Community and Family Medicine; Duke University School of Medicine; Durham North Carolina
| | - Hester Lipscomb
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; Department of Community and Family Medicine; Duke University School of Medicine; Durham North Carolina
| | - Clayton Sinyai
- CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training; Silver Spring Maryland
| | - Darrin Adams
- Safety and Health Assessment and Research Program (SHARP); Department of Labor and Industries; State of Washington; Olympia Washington
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Evanoff B, Dale AM, Zeringue A, Fuchs M, Gaal J, Lipscomb HJ, Kaskutas V. Results of a fall prevention educational intervention for residential construction. SAFETY SCIENCE 2016; 89:301-307. [PMID: 35462959 PMCID: PMC9028431 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2016.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley Evanoff
- Division of General Medical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 4523 Clayton Avenue, Campus Box 8005, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Ann Marie Dale
- Division of General Medical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 4523 Clayton Avenue, Campus Box 8005, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Angelique Zeringue
- Division of General Medical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 4523 Clayton Avenue, Campus Box 8005, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Mark Fuchs
- St. Louis Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Program (CJAP), Nelson-Mulligan Carpenters’ Training Center, 8300 Valcour, St. Louis, MO, 63123, USA
| | - John Gaal
- Carpenters District Council of Greater St. Louis and Vicinity, 1401 Hampton Avenue St. Louis, MO, 63139, USA
| | - Hester J. Lipscomb
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Duke University, DUMC 3834, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Vicki Kaskutas
- Division of General Medical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 4523 Clayton Avenue, Campus Box 8005, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; and Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, 4444 Forest Park Ave., CB 8505, St. Louis, MO, 63108, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Dasgupta PS, Punnett L, Moir S, Kuhn S, Buchholz B. Does drywall installers' innovative idea reduce the ergonomic exposures of ceiling installation: A field case study. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2016; 55:183-193. [PMID: 26995048 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2014] [Revised: 10/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study was conducted to assess an intervention suggested by the workers to reduce the physical or ergonomic exposures of the drywall installation task. METHODS The drywall installers were asked to brainstorm on innovative ideas that could reduce their ergonomic exposures during the drywall installation work. The workers proposed the idea of using a 'deadman' (narrow panel piece) to hold the panels to the ceiling while installing them. The researcher collected quantitative exposure data (PATH, 3DSSPP) at the baseline and intervention phases and compared the phases to find out any change in the exposure while using the 'deadman'. RESULTS Results showed that ergonomic exposures (such as overhead arm and awkward trunk postures and heavy load handling) were reduced at the intervention phase while using the 'deadman' with an electrically operated lift. CONCLUSION The concept of the 'deadman', which was shown to help reduce musculoskeletal exposures during ceiling installation, can be used to fabricate a permanent ergonomic tool to support the ceiling drywall panel.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Punnett
- University of Massachusetts Lowell, 1 University Avenue, Kitson Hall, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854.
| | - Susan Moir
- University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, 02125, MA, United States.
| | - Sarah Kuhn
- University of Massachusetts Lowell, 883 Broadway Street, Mahoney Hall, Lowell, 01854, MA, United States.
| | - Bryan Buchholz
- Marshall University, 1676 3rd Avenue, Huntington 25755, West Virginia, USA.
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5
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Falls from Height in the Construction Industry: A Critical Review of the Scientific Literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13070638. [PMID: 27367706 PMCID: PMC4962179 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13070638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Globally, falls from height (FFH) are a substantial public health jeopardy and are among the important leading causes of serious and fatal injuries for construction workers. A comprehensive understanding of the causal factors in FFH incidents is urgently required; however, the literature appears to lack a scientific review of FFH. In this study, 297 articles that contribute to the topic of fall incidents were reviewed. Seventy-five (75) articles met the criteria for relevance and were aggregated in a database to support a critical review. A synthesis of macro-variables approach was adopted rather than a structured meta-analysis. Such a method of analysis provides the flexibility to combine previous studies' findings. The most common factors associated with FFH are risky activities, individual characteristics, site conditions, organizational characteristics, agents (scaffolds/ladders) and weather conditions. The outcomes contributed to identifying the most significant research area for safety enhancement by improving engineering facilities, behaviour investigations and FFH prevention methods.
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Hege A, Vallejos QM, Apostolopoulos Y, Lemke MK. Health disparities of Latino immigrant workers in the United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MIGRATION, HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE 2015. [DOI: 10.1108/ijmhsc-06-2014-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the literature pertaining to occupational health disparities experienced by Latino immigrant workers in the USA and to advance a general framework based on systems science to inform epidemiological and intervention research.
Design/methodology/approach
– Using papers and other sources from 2000 to the present, the authors examined the employment conditions and health outcomes of Latino immigrant workers and critically analyzed the pervasive evidence of health disparities, including causal mechanisms and associated intervention programs.
Findings
– The occupations, including the work environment and resultant living conditions, frequently performed by Latino immigrants in the USA represent a distinct trigger of increased injury risk and poor health outcomes. Extant intervention programs have had modest results at best and are in need of more comprehensive approaches to address the complex nature of health disparities.
Practical implications
– An integrated, systems-based framework concerning occupational health disparities among Latino immigrant workers allows for a holistic approach encompassing innovative methods and can inform high-leverage interventions including public policy.
Originality/value
– Reductionist approaches to health disparities have had significant limitations and miss the complete picture of the many influences. The framework the authors have provided elucidates a valuable method for reducing occupational health disparities among Latino immigrant workers as well as other populations.
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Chang VC, Guerriero EN, Colantonio A. Epidemiology of work-related traumatic brain injury: a systematic review. Am J Ind Med 2015; 58:353-77. [PMID: 25731875 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review aimed to describe the burden and risk factors of work-related traumatic brain injury (wrTBI) and evaluate methodological quality of existing literature on wrTBI. METHODS A search of electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) was conducted to identify articles published between 1980 and 2013 using a combination of terms for work, TBI, and epidemiology, without geographical limitations. RESULTS Ninety-eight studies were included in this review, of which 24 specifically focused on wrTBI. In general, male workers, those in the youngest and oldest age groups, and those working in the primary (e.g., agriculture, forestry, mining) or construction industries were more likely to sustain wrTBI, with falls being the most common mechanism of injury. CONCLUSIONS This review identified workers at highest risk of wrTBI, with implications for prevention efforts. Future research of better methodological quality is needed to provide a more complete picture of the epidemiology of wrTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicky C. Chang
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - E. Niki Guerriero
- Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Sciences; University of Toronto; Ontario Canada
| | - Angela Colantonio
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy; University of Toronto; Ontario Canada
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute; University Health Network; Toronto Ontario Canada
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Lipscomb HJ, Schoenfisch AL, Cameron W, Kucera KL, Adams D, Silverstein BA. How well are we controlling falls from height in construction? Experiences of union carpenters in Washington State, 1989-2008. Am J Ind Med 2014; 57:69-77. [PMID: 24038233 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falls from height (FFH) continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality across the construction industry. METHODS By linking data on work hours with workers' compensation records, rates of work-related injuries resulting from FFH and associated days away from work were evaluated among a large cohort (n = 24,830) of union carpenters in Washington State from 1989 to 2008. Using Poisson regression we assessed rates of FFH over the 20-year period while adjusting for temporal trend in other work-related injuries. Patterns of paid lost days (PLDs) were assessed with negative binomial regression. RESULTS Crude rates of FFH decreased 82% over the 20-year period. Reductions were more modest and without demonstrable change since 1996 when adjusting for the temporal reduction in other injuries. Younger workers had higher injury rates; older workers lost more days following falls. Rates of PLDs associated with falls decreased over time, but there was not a consistent decline in mean lost days per fall. CONCLUSION These patterns are consistent with decreased FFH for several years surrounding state (1991) and then federal (1994) fall standards; the decline during this time period exceeded those seen in injury rates overall in this cohort. While crude rates of FFH have continued to decline, the decline is not as substantial as that seen for other types of injuries. This could reflect a variety of things including more global efforts designed to control risk (site planning, safety accountability) and changes in reporting practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hester J. Lipscomb
- Division of Occupational Medicine; Duke University Medical Center; Durham North Carolina
| | - Ashley L. Schoenfisch
- Division of Occupational Medicine; Duke University Medical Center; Durham North Carolina
| | - Wilfrid Cameron
- Strategic Solutions for Safety; Health and Environment; Seattle Washington
| | - Kristen L. Kucera
- Division of Occupational Medicine; Duke University Medical Center; Durham North Carolina
| | - Darrin Adams
- Safety and Health Assessment and Research Program (SHARP); Department of Labor and Industries, State of Washington; Olympia Washington
| | - Barbara A. Silverstein
- Safety and Health Assessment and Research Program (SHARP); Department of Labor and Industries, State of Washington; Olympia Washington
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Hung YH, Winchester WW, Smith-Jackson TL, Kleiner BM, Babski-Reeves KL, Mills TH. Identifying fall-protection training needs for residential roofing subcontractors. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2013; 44:372-380. [PMID: 23098637 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2012.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2011] [Revised: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Falls remain the leading cause of injuries and fatalities in the small residential roofing industry and analogous investigations are underrepresented in the literature. To address this issue, fall-protection training needs were explored through 29 semi-structured interviews among residential roofing subcontractors with respect to recommendations for the design of fall-protection training. Content analysis using grounded theory was conducted to analyze participants' responses. Results of the analysis revealed six themes related to the design of current fall-protection training: (1) barriers to safety training; (2) problems of formal safety-training programs; (3) recommendations for training implementation; (4) important areas for fall-protection training; (5) training delivery means; and (6) design features of training materials. Results of the study suggest the need for informal jobsite safety training to complement what had been covered in formalized safety training. This work also provides recommendations for the design of a more likely adopted fall-protection training program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsiu Hung
- Department of Industrial Design, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Road, Tainan, Taiwan.
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Hitchens P, Blizzard L, Jones G, Day L, Fell J. Predictors of race-day jockey falls in jumps racing in Australia. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2011; 43:840-847. [PMID: 21376874 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2010.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Revised: 11/01/2010] [Accepted: 11/01/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Thoroughbred jumps racing jockeys have a fall rate greater than their flat racing counterparts. Previous studies have focused on factors that contribute to falls by horses but, to date, there has not been a study of risk factors for falls to jockeys in jumps races. Data on race-day falls were extracted from stipendiary stewards reports lodged with Principal Racing Authorities following each race meeting. Denominator data were provided by Racing Information Services Australia on races conducted from August 2002 until July 2009. Univariable and multivariable analyses, estimating incidence rate ratios, were conducted using Poisson regression. In multivariable analysis in hurdle racing, important predictors of falls were higher club level, larger field size, greater prize money, provisionally licensed jockeys and older jockeys. There were significant interactions between jockey licence and prize money; jockey age and previous rides this meeting; race grade and race distance; horse age and field size; and club level and field size. In steeplechase racing, important predictors were type of jump with lowest fall rates in races over Mark III jumps compared to standard fences, provisionally licensed jockeys, jockeys having had previous rides at a meeting, and larger field size. There were significant interactions between the number of previous starts by the horse and field size; race distance and prize money; and race distance and previous rides this meeting. This study has identified factors for falls in jumps racing that could form the basis for targeted strategies to improve occupational health and safety standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Hitchens
- Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 23, Hobart TAS 7001, Australia
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11
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Shishlov KS, Schoenfisch AL, Myers DJ, Lipscomb HJ. Non-fatal construction industry fall-related injuries treated in US emergency departments, 1998-2005. Am J Ind Med 2011; 54:128-35. [PMID: 20635372 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing recognition that common occupational injury surveillance systems in the US fail to reflect true injury risk; this failure limits efforts to accurately monitor efforts to prevent work-related injuries on a national level. METHODS Data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System occupational supplement (NEISS-Work) were used to describe fall-related injuries treated in US emergency departments among workers in the construction industry (1998-2005). These data do not require workers' compensation as the payer in order to be classified as work-related. RESULTS Based on NEISS-Work estimates, a total of 555,700 (95% confidence interval (CI): 390,700-720,800) non-fatal work-related injuries among workers in the construction industry were the result of a fall, resulting in an annual rate of 70 (95% CI: 49-91) per 10,000 full-time equivalents. Younger workers had higher rates of falls, whereas older workers were more likely to suffer serious injuries. The majority of the injuries (70%) were precipitated by falls to a lower level from roofs, ladders, and scaffolding. CONCLUSIONS The patterns of fall-related injuries identified in these data are consistent with other reports. In contrast to the declining rates of falls requiring days away from work reported through the Bureau of Labor Statistics Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, construction industry fall-related injury rates estimated through NEISS-Work remained unchanged from 1998 to 2005 providing another perspective on this serious cause of morbidity in the construction industry.
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12
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Kucera KL, Lipscomb HJ, Silverstein B, Cameron W. Predictors of delayed return to work after back injury: A case-control analysis of union carpenters in Washington State. Am J Ind Med 2009; 52:821-30. [PMID: 19731240 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
METHODS Union administrative records identified 20,642 union carpenters who worked in Washington State from 1989 to 2003. The Department of Labor and Industries provided records of workers' compensation claims and associated medical care. Work-related back claims (n = 4,241) were identified by ANSI codes (back, trunk, or neck/back) or ICD-9 codes relevant to medical care consistent with a back injury. Cases (n = 738) were defined as back injury claims with >90 days of paid lost time; controls (n = 699) resulted in return to work within 30 days. Logistic regression models estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (OR, 95% CI) of delayed return to work (DRTW). RESULTS Thirty percent of case claims and 8% of control claims were identified by an ICD-9 code. DRTW after back injury was associated with being female (2.7, 95% CI: 1.3-5.5), age 30-44 (1.2, 95% CI: 0.9-1.7) and age over 45 (1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.3), four or more years union experience (1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-1.8), previous paid time loss back claim (1.8, 95% CI: 1.3-2.5), and >or=30-day delay to medical care (3.6, 95% CI: 2.1, 6.1). Evidence of more acute trauma was also associated with DRTW. CONCLUSIONS Use of ICD-9 codes identified claims with multiple injuries that would otherwise not be captured by ANSI codes alone. Though carpenters of younger age and inexperience were at increased risk for a paid lost time back injury claim, older carpenters and more experienced workers, once injured, were more likely to have DRTW as were those who experienced acute events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen L Kucera
- Division of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Department of Community & Family Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27705, USA.
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Dong XS, Fujimoto A, Ringen K, Men Y. Fatal falls among Hispanic construction workers. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2009; 41:1047-1052. [PMID: 19664444 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2009.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2008] [Revised: 06/02/2009] [Accepted: 06/13/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated occupational deaths resulting from fall injuries among Hispanic construction workers using data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries and the Current Population Survey. The demographics and characteristics of fatal falls among Hispanic workers were examined and compared with that of their white, non-Hispanic counterparts. The results show that fatal injuries among Hispanic construction workers were more likely to be caused by a fall than their white, non-Hispanic counterparts (OR=1.48, 95% CI: 1.05-2.10) after controlling for possible confounders. The rate of fatal falls for foreign-born Hispanic construction workers was 5.5 per 100,000 FTE, which is significantly higher than 4.1 per 100,000 FTE for Hispanic workers who were born in the U.S. (OR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.08-1.67). The disparities in fatal injuries from falls were found in age groups, job tenure, occupations, and types of construction projects. This study also found that about every two of three fatal falls in construction occurred in establishments with 10 or fewer employees. More prevention, intervention, and training measures must be applied to Hispanic workers, especially those who are new immigrants. OSHA enforcements should target small construction establishments in order to lower overall fatality rates, costs, and unnecessary losses of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuwen Sue Dong
- CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training, Silver Spring, MD 20910, United States.
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Kaskutas VK, Dale AM, Lipscomb HJ, Evanoff BA. Development of the St. Louis audit of fall risks at residential construction sites. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2008; 14:243-249. [PMID: 19043910 PMCID: PMC9022011 DOI: 10.1179/oeh.2008.14.4.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
We describe the development and pilot testing of the St. Louis Assessment of Fall Risks, a worksite audit to assess fall prevention safety practices on residential construction sites. Surveillance data and feedback from carpenters and safety instructors regarding work tasks associated with falls from heights were used to develop the audit instrument. The audit focuses on the framing process, including general safety climate/housekeeping, floor joist/sub-floor installation, walking surfaces/edges, wall openings, truss setting, roof sheathing, ladders, scaffolds, and personal fall arrest equipment. The audit was tested at sixteen residential construction sites, documenting excellent inter-rater reliability (kappa = 0.93). Results suggest that the audit has good face and content validity and is a reliable instrument for measuring fall safety risks at residential construction sites. It is practical, easy, and safe to administer, making it a potentially useful instrument for field research as well as regular safety monitoring by foremen and crew.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki K Kaskutas
- Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8505, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA.
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15
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Lipscomb HJ, Dale AM, Kaskutas V, Sherman-Voellinger R, Evanoff B. Challenges in residential fall prevention: insight from apprentice carpenters. Am J Ind Med 2008; 51:60-8. [PMID: 18033722 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falls remain a serious source of morbidity and mortality in residential construction despite considerable knowledge of risk factors and prevention strategies. While training is universally viewed as positive, we know little about its effectiveness in preventing residential falls. METHODS A series of focus groups were conducted with union apprentice carpenters (n = 36) at varied levels of training to elicit input on factors that might influence the effectiveness of residential fall prevention training, including hazard awareness, timing of elements of formal instruction, jobsite mentoring, and workplace norms. RESULTS While apprentices identified many residential fall hazards, they voiced little concern about work near unprotected vertical or horizontal openings such as stairwells, window openings or leading edges. On residential jobs, apprentices worked at heights immediately and were often exposed to hazards they had not yet been trained to handle. The quality of mentoring varied tremendously, and things they had been taught in school were often not the norm on these small worksites. Use of fall arrest equipment was uncommon. Job insecurity in this fast-paced work environment influenced behaviors even when apprentices reported knowledge of safe procedures; this was more of a problem for less experienced apprentices. CONCLUSIONS These data provide compelling evidence that apprentices often do not apply safety principles they have been taught in school in the actual work environment, illuminating how attempts to empower workers through training alone can fall short. The findings have policy implications and demonstrate the importance of measuring more than knowledge when evaluating effectiveness of training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hester J Lipscomb
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
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Lipscomb HJ, Dement JM, Nolan J, Patterson D. Nail gun injuries in apprentice carpenters: risk factors and control measures. Am J Ind Med 2006; 49:505-13. [PMID: 16758488 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nail guns increase residential construction productivity but their use is associated with risk of injury. METHODS Active surveillance data from 772 apprentice carpenters were used to document the injury risk associated with the use of nail guns and the potential impact of modifiable risk factors. Using reported work hours and nail gun injuries injury rates per 200,000 hr worked in the past year were calculated. Using estimates of hours of tool use, Poisson regression was used to calculate adjusted rate ratios for injury associated with time in the trade, trigger mechanism on the tools and training prior to injury. RESULTS Forty-five percent of these apprentices had sustained a nail gun injury; injury rates in the past year based on hours of work were considerably higher than previously recognized. Those with less than 1 year in the trade compared to those with more than 5 years experience (RR = 2.7; 95% CI 1.2, 5.9) and those with no training in tool use (RR = 2.9; 95% CI 1.9, 4.4) were at greatest risk. After adjusting for experience and training, the rate of injury was twice as high with tools with a contact trip trigger compared to those with a sequential trigger (RR = 2.0; 95% CI 1.2, 3.3). CONCLUSIONS Preventive measures should include change to the safer sequential trigger that prevents unintentional firing and early training in safe tool use. Because of the high prevalence of use of tools with contact trip triggers the greatest number of injuries among these apprentices could be prevented with an engineering solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hester J Lipscomb
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Lipscomb HJ, Argue R, McDonald MA, Dement JM, Epling CA, James T, Wing S, Loomis D. Exploration of work and health disparities among black women employed in poultry processing in the rural south. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2005; 113:1833-40. [PMID: 16330373 PMCID: PMC1314930 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.7912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
We describe an ongoing collaboration that developed as academic investigators responded to a specific request from community members to document health effects on black women of employment in poultry-processing plants in rural North Carolina. Primary outcomes of interest are upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and function as well as quality of life. Because of concerns of community women and the history of poor labor relations, we decided to conduct this longitudinal study in a manner that did not require involvement of the employer. To provide more detailed insights into the effects of this type of employment, the epidemiologic analyses are supplemented by ethnographic interviews. The resulting approach requires community collaboration. Community-based staff, as paid members of the research team, manage the local project office, recruit and retain participants, conduct interviews, coordinate physical assessments, and participate in outreach. Other community members assisted in the design of the data collection tools and the recruitment of longitudinal study participants and took part in the ethnographic component of the study. This presentation provides an example of one model through which academic researchers and community members can work together productively under challenging circumstances. Notable accomplishments include the recruitment and retention of a cohort of low-income rural black women, often considered hard to reach in research studies. This community-based project includes a number of elements associated with community-based participatory research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hester J Lipscomb
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
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Arndt V, Rothenbacher D, Daniel U, Zschenderlein B, Schuberth S, Brenner H. Construction work and risk of occupational disability: a ten year follow up of 14,474 male workers. Occup Environ Med 2005; 62:559-66. [PMID: 16046609 PMCID: PMC1741071 DOI: 10.1136/oem.2004.018135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Most industrialised countries have public income maintenance programmes to protect workers in case of disability but studies addressing disability risk of specific professional groups are rare. The objective of this study was to establish a detailed pattern of the nature and extent of occupational disability among construction workers. METHODS A cohort study was set up including 14,474 male workers from the construction industry in Württemberg (Germany) aged 25-64 years who underwent occupational health exams between 1986 and 1992. The cohort was linked to the regional pension register of the manual workers' pension insurance institution to identify workers who were granted a disability pension during the 10 year follow up. All-cause and cause specific standardised incidence ratios (SIR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using disability rates from the general workforce and from all blue collar workers in Germany as references. RESULTS In total, 2247 (16%) members of the cohort were granted a disability pension. Major causes of disability were musculoskeletal (45%) and cardiovascular diseases (19%). In comparison with the general workforce, construction workers experienced a higher risk of disability from cancer (SIR = 1.26; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.47), respiratory diseases (SIR = 1.27; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.55), musculoskeletal diseases (SIR = 2.16; 95% CI 2.03 to 2.30), injuries/poisoning (SIR = 2.52; 95% CI 2.06 to 3.05), and all causes combined (SIR = 1.47; 95% CI 1.41 to 1.53). When compared with the blue collar reference group, increased risks of disability among construction workers were found for musculoskeletal diseases (SIR = 1.53; 95% CI 1.44 to 1.63), injury/poisoning (SIR = 1.83; 95% CI 1.50 to 2.21), and all causes combined (SIR = 1.11; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.16). CONCLUSIONS Musculoskeletal diseases and external causes are major factors limiting the work capability of construction workers and lead to an increased proportion of occupational disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Arndt
- German Centre for Research on Ageing, Department of Epidemiology, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Horwitz IB, McCall BP. Disabling and fatal occupational claim rates, risks, and costs in the Oregon construction industry 1990-1997. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2004; 1:688-698. [PMID: 15631060 DOI: 10.1080/15459620490508787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This study estimated injury and illness rates, risk factors, and costs associated with construction work in Oregon from 1990-1997 using all accepted workers' compensation claims by Oregon construction employees (N = 20,680). Claim rates and risk estimates were estimated using a baseline calculated from Current Population Survey data of the Oregon workforce. The average annual rate of lost-time claims was 3.5 per 100 workers. More than 50% of claims were by workers under 35 years and with less than 1 year of tenure. The majority of claimants (96.1%) were male. There were 52 total fatalities reported over the period examined, representing an average annual death rate of 8.5 per 100,000 construction workers. Average claim cost was $10,084 and mean indemnity time was 57.3 days. Structural metal workers had the highest average days of indemnity of all workers (72. 1), highest average costs per claim ($16,472), and highest odds ratio of injury of all occupations examined. Sprains were the most frequently reported injury type, constituting 46.4% of all claims. The greatest accident risk occurred during the third hour of work. Training interventions should be extensively utilized for inexperienced workers, and prework exercises could potentially reduce injury frequency and severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irwin B Horwitz
- University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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