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Epidemiology of occupational injuries in construction workers between 2009 and 2018 in South Korea. Am J Ind Med 2023; 66:155-166. [PMID: 36433706 PMCID: PMC10100143 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of occupational injuries based on fatality, sex, and classification of occupations among construction workers using workers' compensation (WC) insurance data in South Korea. METHODS We collected WC insurance data from the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service for all construction workers between 2009 and 2018. Data from 158,947 accepted claims for occupational injury were extracted, and the demographic features, occupational injury types, and annual trends were analyzed for fatal and nonfatal cases. The annual incidence and mortality trends of occupational injury were estimated using negative binomial regression and Poisson regression models, for injury incidence and mortality respectively. RESULTS Among a total of 158,947 occupational injury cases, there were 155,772 (98%) nonfatal injuries and 3175 (2%) fatal injuries. For all occupational injuries, Construction Elementary Workers (6th Korean Standard Classification of Occupations (KSCO) 910; 45.7%) was the most frequent occupation, followed by Construction-Related Technical Workers (6th KSCO 772; 39.2%). The most frequent injury type was a fracture, followed by ruptures or lacerations and contusions. The incidence of all occupational injuries increased from 700.36 per 100,000 persons in 2009 to 1,195.98 per 100,000 persons in 2018. Further, deaths from injuries at work followed a significantly increasing annual trend [mortality rate ratio 1.04 (95% CI: 1.03-1.05)] from 2009 to 2018. CONCLUSION The over two-thirds increased incidence of occupational injuries and significantly increasing mortality trends for occupational injuries during the last 10 years indicate the need for aggressive intervention in occupational safety and health management within the Korean construction industry.
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[Characteristics of work-related injuries and the fate of the victims: about 133 cases reported to the Social Security Fund in Dakar, Senegal]. Pan Afr Med J 2018; 30:156. [PMID: 30455785 PMCID: PMC6235479 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2018.30.156.10517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Work-related injuries have an impact on social security system of the country, on the victims as well as on their relatives. The objective is the aim of our study was to describe the different characteristics of work-related injuries reported to the Social Security Fund (CSS) in Dakar as well as the socioprofessional course of the victims. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study over a period of 5 years, from 2002 to 2006. Data were collected from 133 cases out of 9 308 reported to the CSS. Various parameters were studied: the socioprofessional characteristics of victims and the lesional features of the injuries. The victims were interviewed to gather informations about their socioprofessional history and their professional situation. RESULTS The average age of patients was 37,55 years, with a male predominance (99,22 %). BPW (22.6%) and fishing (15%) sectors were most affected. Almost two thirds of injuries happened in the workplace (77.4%). These injuries resulted in fractures in 51.7% of cases and affected the hand in 30.1% of cases. Nearly two thirds of injured subjects (60.9%) had resumed their profession. Thirty one subjects were fired and 12 were redeployed. The average period of temporary total incapacity was 236.7 days. The median annual pension was 1 640 329 CFA Francs (2 504,31 Euros). CONCLUSION In Senegal, work-related injuries don't have specific characteristics, as described elsewhere. The low resources allocated to the victims and the lack of supporting social-policy measures explain the different types of suffering of the victims and their families.
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A Framework for the Calculation of Direct and Indirect Costs of Accidents and Its Application to Incidents Occurring in Iran’s Construction Industry in 2013. Trauma Mon 2016. [DOI: 10.5812/traumamon.26117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Occupational injuries among building construction workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. J Occup Med Toxicol 2016; 11:16. [PMID: 27069499 PMCID: PMC4827174 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-016-0107-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Occupational injuries can pose direct costs, like suffering, loss of employment, disability and loss of productivity, and indirect costs on families and society. However, there is a dearth of studies clarifying the situation in most of Subsaharan African countries, like Ethiopia. The present study determined the prevalence of injury and associated factors among building construction employees in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among building construction employees in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from February to April 2015. Multi-stages sampling followed by simple random sampling techniques was used to select the study participants. The sample size of the study was 544. A pre-tested and structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Multivariable analyses were employed to see the effect of explanatory variables on injury. Results The prevalence of injury among building construction employees was reported to be 38.3 % [95 % CI: (33.9, 42.7)] in the past 1 year. Use of personal protective equipments, work experience, khat chewing were factors significantly associated with injury. Conclusion This is among the few studies describing construction health and safety in Ethiopia. In this study a relatively higher prevalence of injury was reported among building construction employees compared to other studies. If urgent interventions are not in place, the absence from work, loss of productivity and work-related illnesses, disabilities and fatalities will continue to be a major challenge of the construction industry in the future. Therefore, programs to mitigate the burden borne by construction-related injuries should focus on areas, such as provision of safety trainings, promoting use of PPE and monitoring substance abuse in workplace.
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Analysis of electrical accidents and the related causes involving citizens who are served by the Western of Tehran. Electron Physician 2015; 6:820-6. [PMID: 25763153 PMCID: PMC4324276 DOI: 10.14661/2014.820-826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Revised: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 02/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Electrical burns account for a significant percentage of fatal accidents. Each year, a number of consumers in Iran suffer from electrical injuries due to technical problems, equipment failures, and the unauthorized use of electricity. The aim of this study was to examine the root causes of accidents that involved electricity in the district served by the Western Tehran Province Electricity Distribution Company. Methods: This was a descriptive study in which incidents involving electricity-related injuries were investigated among customers served by the Western Tehran Province Electricity Distribution Company. Therefore, we collected and analyzed incident reports filed by citizens from 2005 through the first half of 2009 in the Distribution Company’s coverage area, including Savejbolagh, Shahriyar, eastern Karaj, Qods City, southern Karaj, western Karaj, Malard, and Mehrshahr. The reported events were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Exposure of electricity lines and unauthorized construction of residential houses in areas where there were medium- and low-voltage lines were responsible for 37% of the injuries. The findings showed that the highest rate of accidents occurred in 2008 and the first half of 2009. The highest rate of accidents occurred among people with a mean age of 35. Conclusion: The results from investigating the causes of electrical accidents emphasized the necessity of developing a culture of safety in communities, especially among employees who are engaged in occupations related to electricity, construction workers, and school children to reduce the rate of such accidents.
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Epidemiology of work-related injuries among construction workers of ilam (Western iran) during 2006 - 2009. IRANIAN RED CRESCENT MEDICAL JOURNAL 2013; 15:e8011. [PMID: 24693372 PMCID: PMC3950784 DOI: 10.5812/ircmj.8011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Work-related injuries are the most important cause of work absence, disability, retirement, mutilation, and even mortality. In Iran a great number of work-related injuries are occurred in construction industry. However, less than 12% of total workers are active in the construction sector. Objectives This study aimed to determine the incidence rate of work-related injuries, the type of injuries, and its other determinants among the construction workers of Ilam (Iran). Patients and Methods The participants were the workers and staffs working in the construction activities of Ilam in Western Iran. All the recorded injuries and deaths related to the construction workers of Ilam from 2006-2009 were collected from the Bureau of Labor and Social Affairs and then analyzed by the statistical package of SPSS (version 19, for Windows). Results During 2006 - 2009 in Ilam, 387workers encountered the building accidents. Their mean age was 34.3 years (SD = 12.4). The average annual incidence of work-related injuries among the workers was 8.2 per 1000 workers. Fracture with 275 cases (71%) was the most common outcome of injuries, and slipping and falling with 77 cases (36%) were the most important events and exposures. The most important factor related to injuries was the lack of surveillance by employers which was also related with the severity of accident-induced injuries (P < 0.004). Conclusions Considering the effectiveness of the relevant preventive measures activities such as training the workers as well as using safety tools and more surveillance by employers can decrease the number of work-related injuries among constructive workers.
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Impact of the Combined Use of Opioids and Surgical Procedures on Workers' Compensation Cost Among a Cohort of Injured Workers in the State of Louisiana. J Occup Environ Med 2012; 54:1513-9. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e3182664866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Workers' compensation insurance and occupational injuries. Saf Health Work 2011; 2:148-57. [PMID: 22953197 PMCID: PMC3431898 DOI: 10.5491/shaw.2011.2.2.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2010] [Accepted: 03/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Although compensation for occupational injuries and diseases is guaranteed in almost all nations, countries vary greatly with respect to how they organize workers' compensation systems. In this paper, we focus on three aspects of workers' compensation insurance in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries - types of systems, employers' funding mechanisms, and coverage for injured workers - and their impacts on the actual frequencies of occupational injuries and diseases. Methods We estimated a panel data fixed effect model with cross-country OECD and International Labor Organization data. We controlled for country fixed effects, relevant aggregate variables, and dummy variables representing the occupational accidents data source. Results First, the use of a private insurance system is found to lower the occupational accidents. Second, the use of risk-based pricing for the payment of employer raises the occupational injuries and diseases. Finally, the wider the coverage of injured workers is, the less frequent the workplace accidents are. Conclusion Private insurance system, fixed flat rate employers' funding mechanism, and higher coverage of compensation scheme are significantly and positively correlated with lower level of occupational accidents compared with the public insurance system, risk-based funding system, and lower coverage of compensation scheme.
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Impact of organization on occupational injury risk: evidence from high-speed railway construction. Am J Ind Med 2011; 54:428-37. [PMID: 21328421 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The construction industry is at the top of the list of priorities for surveillance and research, although it is often difficult to perform detailed analysis of the risk factors. In mid-2002, construction work started on the Torino to Novara high-speed railway line. A Regional Epidemiological Observatory developed a standardized data collection system that provided a rare opportunity for researchers in Italy to analyze risk factors for occupational injury in a large cohort of workers involved in a single major construction project. The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics of a cohort of workers employed at construction sites of the high-speed Torino to Novara railway between 2003 and 2005, analyze the main determinants of occupational injury risk and estimate incidence rates. METHODS Frequency rates of occupational injury were calculated by characteristics of workers and firms and relative risks were estimated using a Poisson model. RESULTS Annual injury incidence decreased over the period and was higher than the Italian construction industry rate. The risk was highest among workers performing the least skilled jobs and with the shortest contracts. Moreover the risk was higher in large enterprises. CONCLUSIONS Although calculated within a specific context, the results provide information applicable to all construction sites. The high risk of occupational injury associated with short-term contracts suggests, at such large and long-term construction sites, to engage workers on a permanent basis for the duration of the construction project.
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Effectiveness of the training program for workers at construction sites of the high-speed railway line between Torino and Novara: impact on injury rates. Am J Ind Med 2009; 52:965-72. [PMID: 19877110 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are very few published studies evaluating the impact of safety and health training on injury outcomes in the construction industry. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the training program on injury rates at a major railway construction project. METHODS The population consisted of 2,795 workers involved in a safety training program at the construction sites of the high-speed railway line Torino-Novara. Two types of analyses were carried out in order to assess the effectiveness of the training program in reducing the number of injuries: (i) a pre-post analysis, which took into account the fact that workers were enrolled at different times and the training intervention did not occur at the same time for all subjects; (ii) an interrupted time-series model, which corrected for the time trend and considered the autocorrelation between individual observations. RESULTS Twenty-nine percent of workers who spent at least 1 day at the construction sites attended at least one training module. Pre-post analysis: At the end of the training program, the incidence of occupational injuries had fallen by 16% after the basic training module and by 25% following the specific modules. Time-series model: Training led to a 6% reduction in injury rates, which was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The training program that was implemented had a moderately positive impact on the health of workers. Further studies are being conducted to obtain a more complete assessment of the actual effectiveness of the program in reducing the incidence of injuries.
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Comparison of risk factors for falls from height between commercial and residential roofers. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2009; 40:1-6. [PMID: 19285579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2008.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2008] [Revised: 09/15/2008] [Accepted: 10/27/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this investigation was to compare commercial roofers and residential roofers in terms of their behaviors, beliefs, working conditions, and attitudes toward the use of fall protection devices, which could lead to fall accidents. METHODS A cross-sectional sample of 252 roofers participated in the survey in the Midwest (Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Iowa). RESULTS Residential roofers were more likely to fall (prevalence ratio = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.58, 3.29) [corrected] than commercial roofers. Race/ethnicity, company size, work type, existence [corrected] of fall protection programs, enforcement of fall protection device use, actual use of fall protection devices, years of experience as a roofer, and perceived level of safety at roofing sites were [corrected] significantly associated with fall accidents. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY This study adds insight into fall accidents from roofs in the construction industry and provides industry-specific cautions against fall accidents that can be reflected in regulatory agency implementation.
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Measuring mining safety with injury statistics: lost workdays as indicators of risk. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2007; 38:523-533. [PMID: 18023637 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2007.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2006] [Revised: 04/28/2007] [Accepted: 06/13/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
PROBLEM Mining in the United States remains one of the most hazardous industries, despite significant reductions in fatal injury rates over the last century. Coal mine fatality rates, for example, have dropped almost a thousand-fold since their peak in 1908. While incidence rates are very important indicators, lost worktime measures offer an alternative metric for evaluating job safety and health performance. The first objective of this study examined the distributions and summary statistics of all injuries reported to the Mine Safety and Health Administration from 1983 through 2004. Over the period studied (1983-2004), there were 31,515,368 lost workdays associated with mining injuries, for an equivalent of 5,700 person-years lost annually. The second objective addressed the problem of comparing safety program performance in mines for situations where denominator data were lacking. By examining the consequences of injuries, comparisons can be made between disparate operations without the need for denominators. Total risk in the form of lost workday sums can help to distinguish between lower- and higher-risk operations or time periods. METHOD Our method was to use a beta distribution to model the losses and to compare underground coal mining to underground metal/nonmetal mining from 2000 to 2004. RESULTS Our results showed the probability of an injury having 10 or more lost workdays was 0.52 for coal mine cases versus 0.35 for metal/nonmetal mine cases. In addition, a comparison of injuries involving continuous mining machines over 2001-2002 versus 2003-2004 showed that the ratio of average losses in the later period to those in the earlier period was approximately 1.08, suggesting increasing risks for such operations. DISCUSSION This denominator-free safety measure will help the mining industry more effectively identify higher-risk operations and more realistically evaluate their safety improvement programs. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY Attention to a variety of metrics concerning the performance of a job safety and health program will enhance industry's ability to manage these programs and reduce risk.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify and quantify attributes that lead to unanticipated cost escalation in workers' compensation claims. METHODS We constructed four claim categories: low initial reserve/low cost, migrated catastrophic (low initial reserve/high cost), high initial reserve/low cost, and catastrophic (high initial reserve/high cost). To assess the attributes associated with the increased cost of migrated catastrophic claims, we analyzed 36,329 Louisiana workers' compensation claims in the four categories over a 5-year period. RESULTS In the 729 claims initially thought to be low-cost claims (migrated catastrophic), the most significant predictors for cost escalation were attorney involvement and claim duration, followed by low back disorder, married/single/divorced status, male gender, small company size, high premium, reporting delays, and older age. These injuries accounted for 2% of all claims but 32.3% of the costs. Accelerated escalation of costs occurred late in the claim cycle (2 years). CONCLUSION Certain attributes, particularly attorney involvement and claim duration, are associated with unanticipated cost escalation in a small number of claims that drastically affect overall losses. The results of this study suggest that these cases may be identified and addressed before rapid escalation occurs.
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Prioritizing occupational injury prevention in the construction industry: injury severity or absence? JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2007; 38:53-8. [PMID: 17258769 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2006.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2006] [Revised: 07/25/2006] [Accepted: 09/25/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
PROBLEM National occupational injury prevention goals often prioritize the reduction of serious injuries. This study analyzed whether this prioritization is credible in respect to lost-time injuries and short and long term work absence, and the implications this has for injury severity-based versus injury absence-based prevention approaches. METHOD The data consisted of national and work-site specific injury and absence data from construction workers in Denmark, including workers from the Copenhagen Metro construction sites, during the period 2000-2001. RESULTS AND IMPACT ON INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT Absence length was significantly dependent on the type of injury. Sprains and strains were most prevalent and accounted for approximately one third of injuries and absence. Fractures accounted for one sixth of injuries and the greatest proportion of long-term absence. The results give credibility to the need for targeting sprains and strains in injury and absence prevention initiatives.
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Injuries from slips and trips in construction. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2006; 37:267-274. [PMID: 16212931 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2005.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2005] [Accepted: 07/25/2005] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Construction injuries preceded by a slip or trip were documented using data from the building of the Denver International Airport (Denver, Colorado, USA), the largest construction project in the world at the time. Slips and trips occurred at a rate of 5/200,000 h worked accounting for 18% of all injuries and 25% of workers' compensation payments, or more than $10 million. Slips contributed to the vast majority (85%) of same-level falls and over 30% of falls from height, as well as a significant number of musculoskeletal injures sustained after slipping or tripping but without falling. The injury burden would have been under-recognized in analyses of most coded compensation records. In contrast to other types of injuries, the most common contributing factors were environmental in nature including conditions of walking and working surfaces, terrain and weather. Due to the very dynamic nature of construction work, reducing slips and trips will require a focus on environmental and organizational solutions that evolve as the site changes and the construction project evolves.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE We combined payroll data, coded workers' compensation (WC) data, and text descriptions of injuries from the construction of Denver International Airport to create a more comprehensive picture of falls from height (FFH) than is typically available from WC data. Text descriptions were coded to identify circumstances surrounding falls. Slips/trips preceded one third of FFH, often involving motor vehicles or heavy equipment. Another third involved movement or collapse of work surfaces, usually ladders or scaffolds. CONCLUSIONS The significant contribution of motor vehicles and heavy equipment to FFH, particularly those preceded by slips/trips, was not apparent from coded data. Heavy equipment engineering modifications are called for and workers in street/roadway construction/site development need fall protection training. Text analyses allow exploration of factors not identified at the time of data collection and better understanding of the context in which injuries occur.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Detailed information about factors contributing to construction injury is important to support design of safety programs directed at particular risks. METHODS We linked over 4,000 injury reports, including text describing injury events, with an administrative workers' compensation (WC) database, and, using Haddon's matrix as a framework, classified factors contributing to injury during construction of Denver International Airport (DIA). RESULTS Patterns of contributing factors varied according to injury mechanism and type of work: environmental factors contributed more than any other factor to slip/trip injuries, and building materials contributed to more than 40% of injuries to workers in carpentry, concrete construction, glass installation, and roofing. Rates at which factors contributed to injury also varied among types of work: environmental factors contributed at relatively high rates to injuries in glass installation, metal/steel installation and iron/steel erection >or= 2 stories, and victim factors contributed at high rates to conduit construction and metal/steel installation injuries. WC payment rates for different factors varied widely, ranging from $0.53/$100 payroll to $3.08/$100. DISCUSSION This approach allows systematic analysis of classes of injuries, contributing factors, types of work, and other variables to assist in setting prevention priorities.
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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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Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last decade, there has been a decline in injuries with days away from work in construction, associated with an increase in injuries with restricted work activity only. METHODS We abstracted demographics, diagnosis, cause-of-injury, and hospital discharge information for 481 workers from one large construction project treated in an urban Emergency Department (ED). The project safety team provided data on all injuries from this site, including first aid cases. RESULTS This site had fewer injuries with days away from work than expected from national rates. Two hundred and fifty-six injuries were reported on the OSHA log, and of those 93 entailed days away from work; 1,515 injuries were considered first aid/medical only. We used a sample of the data to estimate that the site classified as "recordable" 128 of the 481 ED-treated injuries from this site (27%). CONCLUSIONS The pattern of injury varies depending on the subset of injuries examined. Lost time injuries, as reported in BLS data, record fewer lacerations and eye injuries, and more strains and sprains. No one surveillance system presents the full spectrum of occupational injury. Tracking all injuries allow early recognition of injury risks, and therefore can lead to more effective prevention.
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Abstract
In 1996 the US construction industry comprised 5.4% of the annual US employment but accounted for 7.8% of nonfatal occupational injuries and illness and 9.7% of cases involving at least a day away from work. Information in the published literature on the disability arising from construction injuries is limited. The construction claims experience (n = 35,790) of a large workers' compensation insurer with national coverage was examined. The leading types and sources of disabling occupational morbidity in 1996 in the US construction industry were identified. Disability duration was calculated from indemnity payments data using previously published methods. The average disability duration for an injured construction worker was 46 days with a median of 0 days. The most frequently occurring conditions were low back pain (14.8%), foreign body eye injuries (8.5%), and finger lacerations (4.8%). Back pain also accounted for the greatest percentage of construction claim costs (21.3%) and disability days (25.5%). However, the conditions with the longest disability durations were sudden-onset injuries, including fractures of the ankle (median = 55 days), foot (42 days), and wrist (38 days). Same-level and elevated falls were the principal exposures for fractures of the wrist and ankle, whereas elevated falls and struck by incidents accounted for the majority of foot fractures. Manual materials handling activities were most often associated with low back pain disability. The results suggest that these most disabling injuries can be addressed by increasing primary prevention resources in slips and falls and exposures related to injuries of sudden-onset as well as in reducing manual materials handling and other exposures associated with more gradual-onset injuries.
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