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Galasso A, Caughman AM, Griffith A, Hoch C, Rex J, Scott DJ, Gross CE. A Detailed Analysis of Workplace Foot and Ankle Injuries. Foot Ankle Spec 2024:19386400241233844. [PMID: 38424705 DOI: 10.1177/19386400241233844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study analyzes the incidence rate and median workdays missed due to foot and ankle injuries across age groups, sexes, and industries. METHODS Workplace injury data from 2003 to 2019 were obtained using the Nonfatal Cases Involving Day Away from Work: Selected Characteristics database provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The data were grouped by injury location (ie, foot, ankle), injury type (ie, fracture, sprain), and industry, and reported with injury incidence rates and median workdays missed. RESULTS The incidence rate of foot and ankle injuries significantly decreased from 2003 to 2019 (P < .001). With increasing age, the incidence rate of foot and ankle injuries decreased (P < .001) and median workdays missed increased (P < .001). Men had significantly higher rates of foot and ankle injuries (P < .001). Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (foot=10.23%, ankle=10.41%); construction (foot=8.14%, ankle=8.68%); and transportation and warehousing (foot=11.06%, ankle=13.80%) industries had the highest injury incidence rates. Transportation and warehousing (foot=16.8 days, ankle=16.3 days), mining (foot=44.9 days, ankle=17.1 days), and utilities (foot=26.7 days, ankle=24.4 days) industries had the highest median workdays missed. CONCLUSION Increased incidence and severity of workplace foot and ankle injuries are associated with male sex and heavy labor industries. Age was positively associated with severity and negatively associated with incidence of workplace ankle injuries. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE Level III, Retrospective cohort study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Galasso
- College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | | | - Adam Griffith
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Services, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Caroline Hoch
- University of North Carolina, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - James Rex
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Daniel J Scott
- College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Christopher E Gross
- College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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Park J, Park JS, Jung Y, Na M, Kim Y. Factors affecting work-related non-fatal injuries among aged workers in South Korea. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1260337. [PMID: 38317801 PMCID: PMC10839006 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1260337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The objective of this paper is to investigate whether an aging workforce is associated with an increase in work-related non-fatal injuries and to explore the underlying reasons for this potential increase. Methods Aged workers were defined as those who were at least 55-years-old. Work-related non-fatal injuries were assessed in aged and young workers who were registered with the workers' compensation system from 2017 to 2021 of South Korea. Results The mean estimated rate of work-related non-fatal injuries of aged workers (0.88/100) was about 2.5-times higher than that of younger workers (0.35/100). Most work-related non-fatal injuries in the older adults were in individuals working in the "construction sector" (36.0%), those with "elementary occupations (unskilled workers)" (45.0%), and those with employment status of "daily worker" (44.0%). "Trip & slip" (28.7%) and "falling" (19.6%) were more frequent types of work-related non-fatal injuries in aged workers relative to young workers. The category of "buildings, structures, and surfaces" was a more frequent cause of work-related non-fatal injuries in aged workers than young workers. Discussion The incidence of non-fatal work-related injuries is higher among aged workers compared to their younger counterparts. The increased occurrence of aged workers participating in precarious employment and jobs, along with the greater physical vulnerability, is likely the cause of their higher rate of work-related non-fatal injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungsun Park
- Department of Occupational Health, Catholic University of Daegu, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Younghoon Jung
- Department of Law, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Minoh Na
- Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yangho Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
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Miles DT, Goodwin TM, Wilson AW, Doty JF. Workers' Compensation: The Burden on Healthcare Resource Utilization After Foot and Ankle Surgery. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev 2023; 7:01979360-202312000-00003. [PMID: 38038489 PMCID: PMC10686597 DOI: 10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-23-00211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study is to investigate the amount of healthcare resources dedicated to patients with WC after common foot or ankle procedures compared with a procedure-matched control group. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of patients with WC and without WC undergoing foot and ankle procedures. Measures of healthcare burden included clinical communications, documents, prescriptions, office visits, and days to return to work and clinic discharge. RESULTS Collectively, 142 patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients with workers' compensation had increased office communication encounters (P < 0.001), processed documents (P < 0.001), medication prescriptions (P < 0.001), number of office visits (P < 0.001), number of days until return to work (P < 0.001), and days until final disposition from clinic (P < 0.001). Patients with workers' compensation were more likely to have postoperative complications (OR 2.1; 95% CI, 1.0 to 4.3; P = 0.04), secondary surgeries (OR 8.2; 95% CI, 2.3 to 29.4; P < 0.001), and new complaints during the perioperative period (OR 1.9; 95% CI, 0.9 to 4.0; P = 0.07) but were less likely to cancel appointments (OR 0.41; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.86; P = 0.02). DISCUSSION When undergoing common foot and ankle orthopaedic procedures, patients with WC demonstrated increased healthcare utilization of resources. This included more office staff work burden dedicated to patients with WC for longer amounts of time, effectively doubling the effort of a non-WC cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T. Miles
- From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN
| | - Tyler M. Goodwin
- From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN
| | - Andrew W. Wilson
- From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN
| | - Jesse F. Doty
- From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN
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Sears JM, Fulton‐Kehoe D, Hogg‐Johnson S. Differential underestimation of work-related reinjury risk for older workers: Challenges to producing accurate rate estimates. Am J Ind Med 2022; 65:627-643. [PMID: 35665525 PMCID: PMC9354702 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older workers are increasingly represented in the U.S. workforce, but frequently work part-timeor intermittently, hindering accurate injury rate estimates. To reduce the impact of reporting barriers on rate comparisons, we focused on reinjury (both injury recurrence and new injury) among workers with a workers' compensation claim, assessing: (1) reinjury risk for workers age 65+ versus <65; (2) importance of work-time at-risk measurement for rate estimates and comparisons; and (3) age distribution of potential risk factors. METHODS Washington State workers' compensation claims for a retrospective cohort of workers with work-related permanent impairments were linked to state wage files. Reinjury rates were calculated for the cohort (N = 11,184) and a survey sample (N = 582), using both calendar time and full-time equivalent (FTE)-adjusted time. Risk differentials were assessed using rate ratios and adjusted survival models. RESULTS The rate ratio for workers age 65+ (vs. <65) was 0.45 (p < 0.001) using calendar time, but 0.70 (p = 0.07) using FTE-adjusted time. Survey-based rates were 35.7 per 100 worker-years for workers age 65+, versus 14.8 for <65. Workers age 65+ (vs. <65) were more likely to work <100% FTE, but were similar regarding job strain, their ability to handle physical job demands, and their comfort reporting unsafe conditions or injuries. CONCLUSIONS Accounting for work-time at risk substantially improves age-based reinjury comparisons. Although the marked elevation in self-reported reinjury risk for older workers might be a small-sample artifact (n = 34), workers age 65+ are likely at higher risk than previously appreciated. Ongoing workforce trends demand increased attention to injury surveillance and prevention for older workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne M. Sears
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
- Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center Seattle Washington USA
- Institute for Work and Health Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Deborah Fulton‐Kehoe
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
| | - Sheilah Hogg‐Johnson
- Institute for Work and Health Toronto Ontario Canada
- Research and Innovation Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College Toronto Ontario Canada
- Biostatistics Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
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Bravo G, Viviani C, Lavallière M, Arezes P, Martínez M, Dianat I, Bragança S, Castellucci H. Do older workers suffer more workplace injuries? A systematic review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2020; 28:398-427. [DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2020.1763609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Bravo
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Chile
| | - Carlos Viviani
- Escuela de Kinesiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Martin Lavallière
- Département des Sciences de la Santé, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), Canada
| | - Pedro Arezes
- School of Engineering, University of Minho, Portugal
| | - Marta Martínez
- Mutual de Seguridad de la Cámara Chilena de la Construcción, Chile
| | - Iman Dianat
- Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Sara Bragança
- Research Innovation and Enterprise, Solent University, UK
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Bui G, Gao Y, Glass N, Cychosz C, Marsh JL, Phisitkul P. Subsequent Pain or Injury After Foot and Ankle Surgery in Patients Receiving Workers' Compensation. Foot Ankle Int 2020; 41:17-24. [PMID: 31650857 DOI: 10.1177/1071100719879648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Workers' compensation (WC) has been associated with poor outcomes following a variety of injuries and surgeries, but rates of subsequent pain or injury (SPI) following surgery have not been studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the rates, locations, and risk factors of SPI in WC patients and non-WC patients who underwent the same surgeries. METHODS With institutional review board approval, records from foot or ankle surgery performed by author P.P. from 2009 to 2015 were obtained. A retrospective chart review was performed on all WC and non-WC patients with at least 1 Current Procedural Terminology code of interest. SPI was defined as a new injury at a different anatomical location occurring 2 months to 2 years after the index surgery. Chi-square and 2-tailed t tests were used to compare risk factors and rates of SPI in both groups. RESULTS The WC population had higher rates of SPI than the non-WC population. Specifically, 13 of 56 WC patients (23.2%) vs 12 of 165 non-WC patients (7.3%) reported SPI (P = .001). The hip, knee, and contralateral foot and ankle were common areas of SPI in both groups. Legal representation and increased age were risk factors for SPI in the WC population. Specifically, 10 of 13 WC patients with SPI had legal representation vs 16 of 43 WC patients without SPI (P = .02). Female sex was a risk factor for SPI in the non-WC population. CONCLUSIONS WC patients had higher rates of subsequent pain or injury than non-WC patients. Legal representation was a risk factor for SPI in the WC population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, comparative series.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Bui
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Yubo Gao
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Natalie Glass
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Al‐Tarawneh IS, Wurzelbacher SJ, Bertke SJ. Comparative analyses of workers' compensation claims of injury among temporary and permanent employed workers in Ohio. Am J Ind Med 2020; 63:3-22. [PMID: 31541504 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A small but increasing number of studies have examined the risk of injury among temporary workers compared to that among workers in permanent employer arrangements. The purpose of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of injury risk among temporary and permanent employer workers using a large dataset of workers' compensation (WC) claims of injury. METHODS Over 1.3 million accepted WC claims in Ohio during the years 2001 to 2013 were analyzed, including 45 046 claims from workers employed by temporary services agencies. General descriptive statistics, injury rates and rate ratios (temporary to permanent workers) were calculated by injury type and event, industry group, and industry manual classes. RESULTS Injured temporary workers were younger and had less tenure compared to injured permanent workers. Temporary workers had higher injury rates, and lower lost-time and medical costs. Differences in injury rates between temporary and permanent workers varied by injury event, industry, and manual class. CONCLUSION Temporary workers had higher overall injury rates than permanent workers, controlling for industry manual class. These differences were pronounced for certain industries and injury events. We were not able to control for age and tenure of the worker, so it is not clear how these factors affected observed results. These findings were mostly similar to those from other studies using WC data from the states of Washington and Illinois. Together, these studies provide insights to improve injury prevention among temporary workers, however, additional research is still needed to improve safety and health programming for this group of workers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steven J. Wurzelbacher
- Division of Field Studies and EngineeringNational Institute for Occupational Safety and HealthCincinnati Ohio
| | - Stephen J. Bertke
- Division of Field Studies and EngineeringNational Institute for Occupational Safety and HealthCincinnati Ohio
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A Seven-Year Longitudinal Claim Analysis to Assess the Factors Contributing to the Increased Severity of Work-Related Injuries. J Occup Environ Med 2016; 58:e320-4. [PMID: 27608153 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent decades, the frequency of Medical Only (MO) and Lost Time (LT) workers' compensation claims has decreased, while average severity (medical and indemnity costs) has increased. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare claim frequency, mix, and severity (cost) over two periods using a claim cohort follow-up method. METHODS Sixty-two thousand five hundred thirty-three claims during two periods (1999 to 2002 and 2003 to 2006) were followed seven years postinjury. Descriptive analysis and significant testing methods were used to compare claim frequency and costs. RESULTS The number of claims per $1 M of premium decreased 50.4% for MO claims and 35.6% for LT claims, consequently increasing the LT claim proportion. The average cost of LT claims did not increase. CONCLUSION The severity increase is attributable to the proportional change in LT and MO claims. While the number of LT claims decreased, the inflation-adjusted average cost of LT claims did not increase.
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Dong XS, Wang X, Largay JA, Sokas R. Economic consequences of workplace injuries in the United States: Findings from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY79). Am J Ind Med 2016; 59:106-18. [PMID: 26771100 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study explored economic consequences of work-related injuries using a longitudinal data source. METHODS Data were from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1979 cohort (n = 12,686). Short-term consequences were measured when the injury was reported. "Difference-in-differences" approach was applied to estimate income and wealth disparities between injured and non-injured workers before and after injury. Fixed effects models were used to identify variations over time. RESULTS The annual earnings growth was $3,715 (in 2000 dollars) less for workers with DAFW injury and $1,152 less for workers with NDAFW injury compared to non-injured workers during a 10-year follow-up. Lost wages and disability following injury contributed to income loss for injured workers, but the loss was moderated by union membership. After controlling for confounders, income disparities persisted, but family wealth differences did not. CONCLUSIONS Occupational injuries exacerbate income inequality. Efforts to reduce such disparities should include workplace safety and health enforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuwen Sue Dong
- CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training, Data Center, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Xuanwen Wang
- CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training, Data Center, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Julie A Largay
- CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training, Data Center, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Rosemary Sokas
- Department of Human Science, Georgetown University School of Nursing and Health Studies, Washington, DC
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Understanding the Probability of a Disability Resulting From Work-Related Injuries. J Occup Environ Med 2015; 57:1236-43. [PMID: 26539773 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the conditions under which the measured risk of a workplace injury resulting in a disability changes. METHODS Multivariate regression analysis and administrative claims data build an understanding of the factors that underlie the probability that a workplace injury results in a disability (disability probability). RESULTS First, jointly examining injury incidence rates and disability probabilities challenges some conclusions suggested by examining the two separately. Second, some characteristics identified as risk factors for disability when studied in isolation are not risk factors. Third, risk factors are qualitatively consistent across groups of workers but quantitatively different. CONCLUSIONS Policymakers might draw incorrect conclusions about the risk of a workplace injury becoming a disability unless the research provides a joint assessment of incidence rates and disability probabilities and a comprehensive analysis of risk factors across worker groups.
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