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Meeral PR, Doraikannan S, Indiran MA. Prevalence of Occupational Injuries of the Oral and Maxillofacial Region and Their Covariates Among Building Construction Workers in Chennai. Cureus 2023; 15:e49468. [PMID: 38152802 PMCID: PMC10751618 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aim With many risky environmental conditions, civil construction sites are prone to physical injuries, especially those pertaining to the oral and maxillofacial regions. The current study was an effort to assess the magnitude and pattern of such oral and maxillofacial injuries and the factors associated with them. Methodology This descriptive study was carried out on 524 construction workers, of whom 254 met the inclusion criteria related to work site injuries. An interviewer-administered proforma with basic demographic details is used in conjunction with an intraoral examination to classify the dental injury. Descriptive statistics were done to evaluate the frequency of injury occurrence, while inferential statistics, including the chi-square test and regression analysis, were done to evaluate the association between injury and the variable under concern. Result The study includes a total of 254 participants, with ages ranging from 20 to above 50 years, of whom 230 (91%) were males and 24 (9.4%) were females. The majority, 200 (78.7%), were unskilled laborers, and 195 (76.7%) were migrant workers with language barriers. It was found that 95 (76.7%) had a history of dental injury alone, while 59 (23.2%) had a history of oral maxillofacial injury. Among the reasons for injury, the increased odds ratios (OD) were noted in the collapse of the surrounding area as 0.050 (0.029-0.075), rainy season 1.001 (0.891-1.281), unskilled labor 1.020 (0.910-1.30), and migrants 1.010 (0.901-1.200). The OD for males is 2.052 (1.941-2.101). Conclusion The current study confirms that the magnitude of workplace-related injuries is significant, and the majority of them stem from basic language barriers among migrant workers and a lack of knowledge to adhere to safety protocols and instructions given.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Rahmath Meeral
- Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Srisakthi Doraikannan
- Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - Meignana Arumugham Indiran
- Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
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Wang PH, Huang CH, Chen IC, Huang EPC, Lien WC, Huang CH. Survival factors in patients of high fall - A 10-year level-I multi-trauma center study. Injury 2022; 53:932-937. [PMID: 34972562 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2021.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the characteristics of patients after free falls at the Level-I trauma centers. The factors associated with survival were differentiated. METHODS This retrospective study was conducted at the National Taiwan University Hospital, the Hsin-Chu branch, and the Yun-Lin branch, all accredited as Level-I trauma centers between January 2010 and September 2020. Adult patients with falls from height of more than one story (i.e. 3.6 m) were included. Clinical data were obtained from electronic medical records. Odds ratios (OR) were computed with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for significant parameters for survival. RESULTS A total of 371 patients were included. Only 2 survived to discharge with poor neurologic outcomes in 101 patients with OHCA. The overall mortality rate was 98% and 11% in patients with and without OHCA. A higher falling height with a one-meter increase (OR, 1.14, 95% CI, 1.10-1.19) was significantly related to OHCA, especially the height over 6 m (OR, 3.07, 95% CI, 1.19-7.94). A higher trauma injury severity score (TRISS) was significantly related to survival among patients without OHCA (OR, 1.07, 95% CI, 1.04-1.11), especially TRISS≧0.945 (OR, 5.21, 95% CI, 1.28-21.24). Patients without severe head/neck injury of Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS)≧3 (OR, 0.17, 95% CI, 0.07-0.42) were positively associated with survivors among patients without OHCA. CONCLUSION Patients with traumatic OHCA following falls had a high mortality rate of 98% and dismal outcomes, compared with non-traumatic OHCA. Falling heights, especially over 6 m was associated with OHCA. Patients without OHCA had a mortality rate of 11%. Patients with a higher TRISS, especially more than 0.945, or without severe head injury had more chances to survive in the non-OHCA group. The study provided the evidence to guide termination of high futility resuscitation for traumatic OHCA secondary to falls to conserve the clinical resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Hsiu Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hsiang Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Chung Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yun-Lin Branch, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Edward Pei-Chuan Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Emergency Medicine, Hsin-Chu Branch, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ching Lien
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Hua Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Holloway-Kew KL, Baker TR, Sajjad MA, Kotowicz MA, Livingston PM, Khasraw M, Hakkennes S, Dunning TL, Brumby S, Page RS, Sutherland AG, Brennan-Olsen SL, Williams LJ, Pasco JA. The epidemiology of emergency presentations for falls from height across Western Victoria, Australia. Australas Emerg Care 2019; 23:119-125. [PMID: 31611147 DOI: 10.1016/j.auec.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to implement intervention strategies to prevent falls from height, epidemiological data are needed. The aim of this study was to map emergency presentations for falls from height in residents aged ≥40yr of the western region of Victoria, Australia. METHODS Emergency presentations following a fall from height (≥1m) were obtained from electronic medical records for 2014-2016 inclusive. For each Local Government Area, age-standardised incidence rates (per 10,000 population/year) were calculated. RESULTS The age-standardised incidence rate was lowest in the Northern Grampians (3.4 95%CI 0.8-5.9), which has several main industries including health care, agriculture and manufacturing. The highest rates occurred in Corangamite (26.0 95%CI 19.9-32.0), Colac-Otway (23.7 95%CI 18.5-28.8) and Moyne (22.5 95%CI 16.8-28.3), which are sparsely populated (15,000-20,000 people each). Patterns were similar for men and women. Most falls occurred during "leisure" (38.0%), followed by "other work" (15.4%). Men were more likely than women to experience a fall from height while undertaking work activities. Many falls occurred in the home (53.2%). CONCLUSION Future research should inform strategies to prevent falls from height in the region. This could include specific locations such as the home or farm, and during leisure activities or work.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mark A Kotowicz
- Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Department of Medicine-Western Health, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, Australia; University Hospital Geelong, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Susan Brumby
- Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; National Centre for Farmer Health, Western District Health Service, Hamilton, Australia
| | - Richard S Page
- Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; University Hospital Geelong, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia; Barwon Centre for Orthopaedic Research and Education, Barwon Health and St John of God Hospital Geelong, Australia
| | - Alasdair G Sutherland
- Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; South West Healthcare, Warrnambool, Australia
| | - Sharon L Brennan-Olsen
- Department of Medicine-Western Health, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, Australia; Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), The University of Melbourne and Western Health, St Albans, Australia
| | | | - Julie A Pasco
- Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Department of Medicine-Western Health, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, Australia; University Hospital Geelong, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
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Experimental Study of Thoracoabdominal Injuries Suffered from Caudocephalad Impacts Using Pigs. Appl Bionics Biomech 2018; 2018:2321053. [PMID: 29861783 PMCID: PMC5971294 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2321053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To know the caudocephalad impact- (CCI-) induced injuries more clearly, 21 adult minipigs, randomly divided into three groups: control group (n = 3), group I (n = 9), and group II (n = 9), were used to perform the CCI experiments on a modified deceleration sled. Configured impact velocity was 0 m/s in the control group, 8 m/s in group I, and 11 m/s in group II. The kinematics and mechanical responses of the subjects were recorded and investigated. The functional change examination and the autopsies were carried out, with which the injuries were evaluated from the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) and the Injury Severity Score (ISS). The subjects in group I and group II experienced the caudocephalad loading at the peak pelvic accelerations of 108.92 ± 58.87 g and 139.13 g ± 78.54 g, with the peak abdomen pressures, 41.24 ± 16.89 kPa and 63.61 ± 65.83 kPa, respectively. The injuries of the spleen, lung, heart, and spine were detected frequently among the tested subjects. The maximal AIS (MAIS) of chest injuries was 4 in group I and 5 in group II, while both the MAIS of abdomen injuries in group I and group II were 5. The ISS in group II was 52.71 ± 6.13, significantly higher than in group I, 26.67 ± 5.02 (p < 0.05). The thoracoabdomen CCI injuries and the mechanical response addressed presently may be useful to conduct both the prevention studies against military or civilian injuries.
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Shi X, Wang T, Nie C, Wang H, Luo L, Qi Y, Jiang Z. Epidemiologic features and intervention effect of fall injury among rural school-aged children in southwest China: a short-term cohort study. Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2018; 25:439-442. [PMID: 29792558 DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2018.1467460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Falls are the top one type in all unintentional injuries. In this study, we aim to explore the epidemiological characteristics of falls and assess the intervention effect. Our research had interviewed 2854 rural children in southwest China. Then, we used School-Family-Individual (SFI) comprehensive education model to conduct an intervention among 1506 children and follow up them for one year. The changes in injury knowledge and incidence rate before and after intervention were compared. We found the fall injury was 37.32% (178/477) and ranked top one in the total injuries. After intervention, the children's fall-injuries-related knowledge was significantly increased by 15.29 percent (P < 0.001). While falls incidence significantly decreased after- intervention (6.24% vs. 3.93%; P < 0.001). From the results we concluded that the falls rate was high and was the prior reason of all injuries. SFI intervention model can effectively reduce the incidence of the fall injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuquan Shi
- a Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics , School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical University , Zunyi , Guizhou , China.,b Center For Injury Research and Policy & Center For Pediatric Trauma Research , The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine , Columbus , OH , USA
| | - Tao Wang
- a Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics , School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical University , Zunyi , Guizhou , China
| | - Chan Nie
- a Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics , School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical University , Zunyi , Guizhou , China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- a Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics , School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical University , Zunyi , Guizhou , China
| | - Lirong Luo
- c School of Nursing , Zunyi Medical University , Zunyi , Guizhou , China
| | - Yonghong Qi
- a Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics , School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical University , Zunyi , Guizhou , China
| | - Zhixia Jiang
- c School of Nursing , Zunyi Medical University , Zunyi , Guizhou , China
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Turgut K, Sarihan ME, Colak C, Güven T, Gür A, Gürbüz S. Falls from height: A retrospective analysis. World J Emerg Med 2018; 9:46-50. [PMID: 29290895 DOI: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2018.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency services manage trauma patients frequently and falls from height comprise the main cause of emergency service admissions. In this study, we aimed to analyse the demographic characteristics of falls from height and their relationship to the mortality. METHODS A total of 460 patients, who admitted to the Emergency Department of Inonu University between November 2011 and November 2014 with a history of fall from height, were examined retrospectively. Demographic parameters, fall characteristics and their effect to mortality were evaluated statistically. RESULTS The study comprised of 292 (63.5%) men and 168 (36.5%) women patients. The mean age of all patients was 27±24.99 years. Twenty-six (5.6%) patients died and the majority of them were in ≥62 years old group. The highest percentage of falls was at 0-5 years age group (28.3%). People fell mainly from 1.1-4 metres(m) level (46.1%). The causes of falls were ordered as unintentional (92.2%), workplace (8.1%) and suicidal (1.7%). Skin and soft tissue injuries (37.4%) were the main traumatic lesions. CONCLUSION Age, fall height, fall place, lineer skull fracture, subarachnoidal hemorrhage, cervical fracture, thoracic vertebra fracture and trauma scores had statistically significant effect on mortality. The casualties died because of subarachnoid hemorrhage mostly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasim Turgut
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Education and Research Hospital, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ediz Sarihan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Cemil Colak
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Taner Güven
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Ali Gür
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Sükrü Gürbüz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
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Balconing: An alcohol-induced craze that injures tourists. Characterization of the phenomenon. Injury 2017; 48:1371-1375. [PMID: 28377264 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2017.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Balconing is the term that has been given to consciously jumping into a swimming pool from a balcony or falling from height while climbing from one balcony to another in hotels during holidays METHOD: A 5 years retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary referral centre for severe trauma in the Balearic Islands, where balconing is endemic. Demographic data such as age, sex, nationality, personal records, alcohol or drug consumption, height of the fall and season of the year were collected. Scales of trauma severity and mortality rates were also included. RESULTS Most of the patients were males, 45 (97.83%), aged 24.20±5.98years, 28 of them of British nationality (60.87%). In 44 (95.65%) cases, alcohol consumption was present accompanied by other drugs in 17 (36.96%) cases. The mean height of the fall was approximately 3 floors. Only 6 (13.04%) were intentional jumpers whereas 40 (86.96%) fell while trying to reach another balcony. CONCLUSION Balconing is a new injury mechanism for alcohol-related falls from heights. Alcohol and other drug consumption are almost always involved, so balconing could be addressed as another consequence of alcohol abuse and binge drinking.
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"Oh the weather outside is frightful": Severe injury secondary to falls while installing residential Christmas lights. Injury 2016; 47:277-9. [PMID: 26506119 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2015.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Falls are an increasingly common source of severe traumatic injury. They now account for approximately 40% of both overall trauma volumes and injury-related deaths within Canada. In northern climates, the risk of all types of falls may increase during the fall/winter months when conditions become increasingly dangerous. The purpose of this study was to define the injury and patient demographics of severe trauma that occurs during falls associated with the installation of Christmas lights. PATIENTS AND METHODS All patients who were admitted to a referral level 1 trauma center (2002-2012) with severe injuries (ISS≥12) caused during Christmas light installation were retrospectively reviewed. Standard statistical methodology was utilised (p<0.05=significant). RESULTS A total of 40 patients were severely injured (95% male; mean age=55 years; mean ISS=25.7 (range: 12-75)) while installing Christmas lights. Injuries included: neurologic (68%), thoracic (68%), spinal (43%), extremity (40%), and multiple other sites. Fall mechanisms were: ladder (65%), roof (30%), ground (3%) and railing (3%). Interventions included intubation and critical care (20%), as well as orthopaedic and neurosurgical operative repairs (30%). The median length of hospital stay was 15.6 days (range: 2-165). The fall-related morbidity (28%) and mortality (5%) were significant with a total of 12.5% patients requiring transfer to a long-term care or rehabilitation facility. CONCLUSIONS Falls while installing Christmas lights during the fall/winter seasons can result in severe life-altering injuries with considerable morbidity and mortality. Caution should be employed when installing lights at any height.
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Pattern of fall injuries in Pakistan: the Pakistan National Emergency Department Surveillance (Pak-NEDS) study. BMC Emerg Med 2015; 15 Suppl 2:S3. [PMID: 26691821 PMCID: PMC4682409 DOI: 10.1186/1471-227x-15-s2-s3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to analyse the frequency and patterns of fall-related injuries presenting to the emergency departments (EDs) across Pakistan. Methods Pakistan National Emergency Departments surveillance system collected data from November 2010 to March 2011 on a 24/7 basis using a standardized tool in seven major EDs (five public and two private hospitals) in six major cities of Pakistan. For all patients presenting with fall-related injuries, we analysed data by intent with focus on unintentional falls. Simple frequencies were run for basic patient demographics, mechanism of falls, outcomes of fall injuries, mode of arrival to ED, investigations, and procedures with outcomes. Results There were 3335 fall-related injuries. In cases where intent was available, two-thirds (n = 1186, 65.3%) of fall injuries were unintentional. Among unintentional fall patients presenting to EDs, the majority (76.9%) were males and between 15-44 years of age (69%). The majority of the unintentional falls (n = 671, 56.6%) were due to slipping, followed by fall from height (n = 338, 28.5%). About two-thirds (n = 675, 66.6%) of fall injuries involved extremities, followed by head/neck (n = 257, 25.4%) and face (n = 99, 9.8%). Most of the patients were discharged from the hospital (n = 1059, 89.3%). There were 17 (1.3%) deaths among unintentional fall cases. Conclusion Falls are an important cause of injury-related visits to EDs in Pakistan. Most of the fall injury patients were men and in a productive age group. Fall injuries pose a burden on the healthcare system, especially emergency services, and future studies should therefore focus on safety measures at home and in workplaces to reduce this burden.
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