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Gwilliam M, Hendricks S, Socias-Morales C, Burnham B, Gomes H, Reichard A, Stallings H. Comparison of Finger, Hand, and Wrist Injuries in the US Air Force to US Workers. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:663-669. [PMID: 37072928 PMCID: PMC10523846 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fingers, hands, and wrists (FHW) are the most frequently injured body parts in work-related injuries. This study described and compared FHW injuries among enlisted, officer, and civilian US Air Force (USAF) personnel to those in the US workforce. METHODS All work-related, noncombat FHW injuries (≥1 lost workday) and demographics among USAF personnel and US workforce (2008-2018) were included. The USAF FHW injury rates were age adjusted to the US employment and compared by sex, source, event, and nature of the injuries. RESULTS Finger, hand, and wrist injuries were significantly lower among the USAF personnel and among females. In both populations, FHW injuries from falls were higher and increased with age group among females. Males had higher overall FHW injuries from contact with objects and equipment. CONCLUSIONS Prevention efforts should focus on understanding risk factors and sharing successful prevention activities.
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Hayashi C, Ogata S, Toyoda H, Tanemura N, Okano T, Umeda M, Mashino S. Risk factors for fracture by same-level falls among workers across sectors: a cross-sectional study of national open database of the occupational injuries in Japan. Public Health 2023; 217:196-204. [PMID: 36907029 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The hospitalisation rate for work-related injuries among older workers is double that of younger workers; however, the risk factors for same-level fall fractures sustained during industrial accidents remain unclear. This study aimed to estimate the influence of worker age, time of day and weather conditions on the risk of same-level fall fractures in all industrial sectors in Japan. STUDY DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study. METHODS This study used the population-based national open database of worker death and injury reports in Japan. In total, 34,580 reports of occupational same-level falls between 2012 and 2016 were used in this study. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS In primary industries, workers aged ≥55 years had a 1.684 times greater risk of fracture (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.167-2.430) compared with workers aged ≤54 years. In tertiary industries, relative to the odds ratio (OR) of injuries recorded at 0:00-2:59 a.m., the ORs recorded at 6:00-8:59 p.m., 6:00-8:59 a.m., 9:00-11:59 p.m. and 0:00-2:59 p.m. were 1.516 (95% CI: 1.202, 1.912), 1.502 (95% CI: 1.203-1.876), 1.348 (95% CI: 1.043-1.741) and 1.295 (95% CI: 1.039-1.614), respectively. The risk of fracture increased with a 1-day increase in the number of snowfall days were per month in secondary (OR = 1.056, 95% CI: 1.011-1.103) and tertiary (OR = 1.034, 95% CI: 1.009-1.061) industries. The risk of fracture decreased with every 1-degree increase in the lowest temperature in primary (OR = 0.967, 95% CI: 0.935-0.999) and tertiary (OR = 0.993, 95% CI: 0.988-0.999) industries. CONCLUSIONS With the increasing number of older workers and changing environmental conditions, the risk of falls in the tertiary sector industries is increasing, particularly just before and just after shift change hours. These risks may be associated with environmental obstacles during work migration. It is also important to consider the weather-associated risks of fracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Hayashi
- Research Institute of Nursing Care for People and Community, University of Hyogo, 13-71 Kitaoji-cho, Akashi, Hyogo, 673-8588, Japan.
| | - S Ogata
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, 6-1 Kishibeshinmachi, Suita, Osaka, 564-8565, Japan
| | - H Toyoda
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-4-3 Asahi-machi, Abeno-ku, Osaka-City, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan; Department of General Practice, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-4-3 Asahi-machi, Abeno-ku, Osaka-City, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - N Tanemura
- National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8636, Japan
| | - T Okano
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-4-3 Asahi-machi, Abeno-ku, Osaka-City, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - M Umeda
- Research Institute of Nursing Care for People and Community, University of Hyogo, 13-71 Kitaoji-cho, Akashi, Hyogo, 673-8588, Japan
| | - S Mashino
- Research Institute of Nursing Care for People and Community, University of Hyogo, 13-71 Kitaoji-cho, Akashi, Hyogo, 673-8588, Japan
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Fraeyman N, de Bacquer D, Clays E, Fiers T, Godderis L, Verhaeghe R, Viaene L, Mortier E. Analysis of ergonomic occupational accidents and near misses in a large Belgian university hospital. Acta Clin Belg 2021; 77:938-944. [PMID: 34905466 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2021.2015553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Health-care organizations are facing a high burden of ergonomic occupational accidents, and prevention is a continuous point of interest. In this manuscript, we describe the characteristics of ergonomic accidents in a large Belgian university hospital and discuss the value of near misses. METHODS Combining databases, we identified the frequency [number of accidents × 106 hours worked per year], severity (number of days off work × 103 hours worked per year), and profile of the victims of occupational ergonomic accidents (with absence from work) or incidents or near-misses (without absence from work). Ergonomic accidents and incidents include slips, trips, falls, injurious body movements, overexertion, and handling heavy weights. RESULTS In a period of 23 years, we noticed a significant decrease in the frequency of ergonomic accidents (from about 7 to about 4 standard units), without changes in the severity. The decrease in the frequency of accidents is mirrored by an increase in the frequency of incidents (from about 4 to about 6 standard units). Female and older employees are more vulnerable to accidents, and the frequency was between two and four times higher for employees mostly involved in manual tasks compared to employees mostly involved in managerial tasks. The profile of the victims and the causes of accidents and incidents were identical. CONCLUSION Although it is premature to assume a cause-consequence relationship between incidents and accidents, it is tempting to speculate that the increased ratio of the frequencies of incidents over accidents might be one of the variables reflecting the adequacy of preventive measures and the growth of safety behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Fraeyman
- Environmental Department [Milieudienst], University Hospital, Gent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Dirk de Bacquer
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gent University, Gent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
| | - Els Clays
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gent University, Gent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
| | - Tom Fiers
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, Gent University Hospital, Gent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Lode Godderis
- Leuven University, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Leuven, Gasthuisberg Campus, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rik Verhaeghe
- Central Administration, Secretariat of the Board of Governors, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Hospital, Gent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Leen Viaene
- Safety Department [Preventiedienst], University Hospital, Gent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Eric Mortier
- Central Administration, Secretariat of the Board of Governors, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Hospital, Gent University, Gent, Belgium
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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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Lippert J, Rosing H, Tendick‐Matesanz F. The health of restaurant work: A historical and social context to the occupational health of food service. Am J Ind Med 2020; 63:563-576. [PMID: 32329097 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23112] [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: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The United States currently has over one million restaurants, making food service one of the largest workforces and industry sectors in the nation's economy. Historically, concern for the health of early restaurant workers was tied largely to the hygiene of the food and thus the wellbeing of the customer rather than the individuals preparing the food. The landscape of occupational illness and injury that resulted is fraught with some of the starkest health disparities in wages, discrimination, benefits, injuries, and illness seen among US laborers. These disparities have consistently been associated with social class and economic position. Conditions identified during the early years of restaurant work, before the introduction of occupational safety and health protections, persist today largely due to tipped wages, dependence on customer discretion, and the management structure. Research and intervention efforts to control occupational health hazards should be directed toward the socioeconomic and structural roots of health problems among food service workers in the United States. Such efforts have important implications for enhancing worker protections, improving wages, and restructuring working conditions for restaurant and food service workers. They also suggest opportunities for occupational health practitioners and researchers to contribute to system-level change analysis to address centuries-old occupational health challenges still facing one of the largest sectors of workers in the country.
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Li J, Goerlandt F, Li KW. Slip and Fall Incidents at Work: A Visual Analytics Analysis of the Research Domain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16244972. [PMID: 31817818 PMCID: PMC6950497 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16244972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Slip and fall incidents at work remain an important class of injury and fatality causing mechanisms. An extensive body of safety research has accumulated on this topic. This article presents an analysis of this research domain. Two bibliometric visualization tools are applied: VOSviewer and HistCite. Samples of 618 slip and fall related articles are obtained from the Web of Science database. Networks of institutions, authors, terms, and chronological citation relationships are established. Collaboration and research activities of the slip and fall research community show that most contributors are from the United States, with the (now closed) Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety the most influential research organization. The results of a term clustering analysis show that the slip and fall research can be grouped into three sub-domains: epidemiology, gait/biomechanics, and tribology. Of these, early research focused mainly on tribology, whereas research on gait/biomechanics and epidemiological studies are relatively more recent. Psychological aspects of slip and fall incident occurrence represent a relatively under-investigated research topic, in which future contributions may provide new insights and safety improvements. Better linking of this research domain with other principles and methods in safety science, such as safety management and resilience, may also present valuable future development paths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Department of Safety Science and Engineering, School of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201306, China
- State Key Laboratory of Explosion Science and Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Floris Goerlandt
- Dalhousie University, Department of Industrial Engineering, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2,UK
| | - Kai Way Li
- Department of Industrial Management, Chung Hua University, Hsin-Chu 30012, Taiwan
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The Associations Between Falls, Fall Injuries, and Labor Market Outcomes Among U.S. Workers 65 Years and Older. J Occup Environ Med 2019; 60:943-953. [PMID: 29905647 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine whether falls are associated with the subsequent ability to work among workers aged 65 years and older. METHODS This longitudinal cohort study followed older workers enrolled in the Health and Retirement Study. Outcomes included time to health-related work limitation and to labor force exit. RESULTS After adjustment, multiple falls with or without a medically treated injury were associated with time to limitation [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.77, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.30 to 2.40; HR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.26 to 1.73, respectively]. Adjustment mitigated a crude relationship between falls and time to exit. Significant interactions suggest that the relationship between falls and labor force exit depends on age, race, and job demands. CONCLUSION Falls, both noninjurious and injurious, are associated with subsequent health-related work limitation among workers aged 65 years and older. Fall prevention activities would benefit workers who want or need to keep working past age 65.
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Effects of a Physical Therapist Led Workplace Personal-Fitness Management Program for Manufacturing Industry Workers. J Occup Environ Med 2019; 61:e445-e451. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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