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BACKGROUND Mining is a significant economic force in the United States but has historically had among the highest nonfatal injury rates across all industries. Several factors, including workplace hazards and psychosocial stressors, may increase injury and fatality risk. Mining is one of the noisiest industries; however, the association between injury risk and noise exposure has not been evaluated in this industry. In this ecological study, we assessed the association between noise exposure and nonfatal and fatal occupational injury rates among miners. METHODS Federal US mining accident, injury, and illness data sets from 1983 to 2014 were combined with federal quarterly mining employment and production reports to quantify annual industry rates of nonfatal injuries and fatalities. An existing job-exposure matrix for occupational noise was used to estimate annual industry time-weighted average (TWA, dBA) exposures. Negative binomial models were used to assess relationships between noise, hearing conservation program (HCP) regulation changes in 2000, year, and mine type with incidence rates of injuries and fatalities. RESULTS Noise, HCP regulation changes, and mine type were each independently associated with nonfatal injuries and fatalities. In multivariate analysis, each doubling (5 dB increase) of TWA was associated with 1.08 (95% confidence interval: 1.05, 1.11) and 1.48 (1.23, 1.78) times higher rate of nonfatal injuries and fatalities, respectively. HCP regulation changes were associated with 0.61 (0.54, 0.70) and 0.49 (0.34, 0.71) times lower nonfatal injury and fatality rates, respectively. CONCLUSION Noise may be a significant independent risk factor for injuries and fatalities in mining.

Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is the inability to tolerate distress that arises in response to the absence of important information. The level of IU has been investigated across various psychological disorders; however, few studies have examined IU in trauma-affected samples. We aimed to investigate the relationship between IU and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) across the course of treatment. Participants (n = 106) had a diagnosis of PTSD and were from first responder, military, and occupational injury backgrounds. Participants completed self-report questionnaires pre- and post-engagement in an inpatient group trauma-informed psychoeducation and skills (TIPS) intervention. Regression analyses indicated that decreases in overall and inhibitory IU were associated with decreases in PTSD severity overall and at the symptom cluster level. However, prospective IU was only associated with changes in the re-experiencing, avoidance, and arousal PTSD symptom clusters. Our findings are congruent with the nascent literature indicating that IU may be a maintaining factor for PTSD, suggesting clinical relevance for attendance to IU within the course of treatment.

Technological advancements bring changes to our life, altering our behaviors as well as our role in the economy. In this paper, we examine the potential effect of the rise of robotic technology on health. Using the variation in the initial distribution of industrial employment in US cities and the difference in robot adoption across industries over time to predict robot exposure at the local labor market, we find evidence that higher penetration of industrial robots in the local economy is positively related to the health of the low-skilled population. A 10% increase in robots per 1000 workers is associated with an approximately 10% reduction in the share of low-skilled individuals reporting poor health. Further analysis suggests that the reallocation of tasks partly explains this finding. A 10% increase in robots per 1000 workers is associated with an approximately 1.5% reduction in physical tasks supplied by low-skilled workers.

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Quandt, Arnold, Talton, Miles, Mora, Arcury, Daniel. Musculoskeletal injury symptoms among hired Latinx child farmworkers in North Carolina. American Journal of Industrial Medicine. 2021;64(7):620-628, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23255. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited. Background - Although children 10–17 years can be hired to work in agriculture, little research has addressed possible musculoskeletal injuries. Children may be at particular risk for these injuries because of the repetitive and load bearing nature of work tasks. Existing research relies on child workers to self-report musculoskeletal injuries. Methods - In 2017, 202 Latinx child farmworkers ages 10–17 employed across North Carolina completed survey interviews. In 2018, 145 of these children (94 [64.8%] current farmworkers) completed a physical examination and second interview. The examination obtained findings for upper and lower extremity as well as back injuries. Results - Positive indicators for musculoskeletal symptoms were few in either current or former child farmworkers. The knee was most common site for positive indicators with 15.4% of children having at least one. Combining all anatomical sites, 29.0% of children had at least one positive indicator, with no significant difference between current and former farmworkers. Overall, boys had significantly more indicators of knee injuries than girls (21.3% vs. 4.1%), indicators of ankle injuries were found only in the youngest workers (9.5% of children 11–13 years), and significantly fewer current farmworkers had indicators of lower back injuries than former farmworkers (6.4% vs. 17.7%). Conclusions - Expectations of injuries come from previous studies using child farmworker self-reports, adult farmworker injury rates, and sports medicine pediatric findings. Hired child farmworkers may not perform activities as repetitious and load-bearing as children in sports training or adult farmworkers. Additional research using physical examination is needed to confirm these findings.

Obstetricians and gynaecologists (OGs) are at a risk of work-related musculoskeletal injuries (WRMI) on a daily basis.To describe the prevalence of WRMI among OGs in Australia and New Zealand, explore risk factors for such injuries, and evaluate their impact.An online survey of Fellows of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists was conducted in July 2016. It comprised questions on personal attributes, type of work, site and cause of WRMI, if any and treatment required.We received responses from 765 OGs giving a response rate of 38.3% (765/1997). Four hundred and ten specialists (53.6%) reported suffering a WRMI at some point, including 252 (32.9%) who reported multiple injuries. In multivariable analysis, females had increased risk of WRMI (odds ratio (OR): 2.12; 95% CI: 1.54-2.91) and among generalists and subspecialists, gynaecological oncologists had highest risk for WRMI (OR: 3.13; 95% CI: 1.21-8.14). Commonest sites of injury were back (218/633, 34.4%) and shoulder (131/633, 20.7%). Laparoscopic surgery (117/633, 18.5%) was the commonest cause of injury. Treatment was required for 88.6% of injuries (561/633) including 8.4% (53/633) of cases which required surgery. Ongoing symptoms post-injury were reported for 52.1% of injuries (330/633) and in 25.8% (163/633) of instances the practitioner needed to modify their scope of work.This survey among a large cohort of OGs shows a high prevalence of WRMI with a profound negative impact on the practitioner and profession. There is a pressing need to advocate for improved ergonomics in their workplaces.

BACKGROUND The first hour of a shift in a mine is characterized by a large movement of miners from incoming and outgoing shifts, in addition to safety and maintenance checks of mining equipment. These activities rely on communication to ensure a safe transition between shifts. This study aims to identify risk factors for injury among miners during the first hour of a work shift and to characterize injury outcomes. METHODS Data from U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration Part 50 reports, 1983-2015, were used to identify injuries occurring within the first hour of a shift. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of injuries occurring during the first shift-hour and to assess the outcome of these injuries. RESULTS Out of the 545,537 cases included in the analysis, 16,446 injuries occurred during the first hour of a shift. Risk factors associated with these injuries included being female, being older, working on Sunday and Monday, having an irregular shift start, working night shifts, employed in surface mining operations, and mine operations with

Background Thoroughbred horse farm workers self-report a high frequency of work-related injuries and pain. However, an analysis of Thoroughbred horse farm workers' compensation injury claims is absent from the literature, yet may benefit worker safety. Methods We analyzed workers' compensation insurance firm data containing 2276 claims filed between 2008 and 2015. Injury frequency, cost, and lost time per cause, nature, and body part injured were examined qualitatively and via univariate tests. Factors associated with high cost and high duration lost time claims were modeled via multivariable logistic regression. Results The average Thoroughbred worker claim cost $4,198 and accrued 10 days lost time, involving strikes (57% of total claims), sprains/strains (34%), and wrist/hand injuries (18%). Injuries primarily occurred on mornings (54%), weekdays (79%), and during the transition from breeding to sales (23%). Jobs with a high level of horse contact had significantly higher cost ($6,487) and higher duration lost time (16.8 days) claims, with significantly higher cost claims on the weekends ($6,471) and from the oldest workers ($7466), vs reference groups. Logistic models indicate significantly increased odds of a high-cost injury among high horse contact jobs (OR = 1.87; 95% C.I. = 1.53-2.29) and older age tertiles (1.38; 1.08-1.75; 1.70, 1.32-2.18). The odds of a high duration lost time injury are significantly increased among high horse contact jobs (1.91; 1.53-2.39) and males (1.50, 1.13-1.98), with significantly reduced odds among the most tenured workers (0.74; 0.56-0.99). Conclusions Our findings elucidate factors to reduce injury frequency, cost, and lost time among Thoroughbred horse farm workers.

BACKGROUND Nursing assistants have one of the highest injury rates in the U.S., but few population-based studies assess differential injury risk by occupation in nursing homes. This statewide study assessed differences in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and patient handling injuries among direct care workers in Minnesota nursing homes. METHODS Indemnity claims from the Minnesota workers' compensation database were matched to time at risk from the Minnesota Nursing Home Report Card to estimate 2005 to 2016 injury and illness claim rates for certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Associations between occupation and claim characteristics were assessed using multivariable regression modeling. RESULTS Indemnity claim rates were 3.68, 1.38, and 0.69 per 100 full-time equivalent workers for CNAs, LPNs, and RNs, respectively. Patient handling injuries comprised 62% of claims. Compared to RNs, CNAs had higher odds of an indemnity claim resulting from an MSD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-2.14) or patient handling injury (OR = 1.89; 95% CI, 1.47-2.45) as opposed to another type of injury or illness. CNAs had lower odds of receiving temporary and permanent partial disability benefits and higher odds of receiving a stipulation settlement. CONCLUSIONS CNAs in Minnesota nursing homes are at heightened risk for lost time MSDs and patient handling injuries. Claims filed by CNAs are more frequently settled outside the regular workers' compensation benefit structure, an indication that the workers' compensation system is not providing adequate and timely benefits to these workers.

Introduction Workers moving between states or provinces to find employment are reported to take longer to return to work after the injury. Methods The Alberta Workers Compensation Board (WCB) identified all workers from four Canadian Atlantic provinces who sustained a work injury in Alberta resulting in greater than 5 total temporary disability days (TTDDays) from January 2015 to June 2017. Each was matched on sex, age, and injury date with an Alberta claimant also with greater than 5 TTDDays. WCB information extracted included employment, injury, cost and place of treatment, and modified work. Cox regression identified factors associated with TTDDays. Semi-structured interviews were also undertaken. Results Two-hundred forty pairs were identified and 60 interviews completed. Those from the Atlantic provinces had more TTDDays (median 63 days) than Alberta (median 22 days) with an unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.50 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42-0.61). When adjusted for all factors, the HR moved closer to unity (HR = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.50-0.76). Total health care costs were the strongest predictor, with modified work, injury type, and claim status also explanatory factors. Among the Atlantic workers, leaving Alberta for treatment was strongly related to a lower likelihood of ending wage replacement (HR = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.32-0.62). Participants in the interview study emphasized the importance of returning to the family after injury and the financial difficulties of maintaining a second home with reduced income after the injury. Conclusion The higher costs of wage replacement associated with extended time off work may be inherent to the practice of employing out-of-province workers for jobs for which there is a shortage of local labor.

BACKGROUND: US government child labor policies allow children as young as age 10 to be hired as workers on farms not operated by family members. Children may face substantial health risks in an industry known for high worker morbidity and mortality rates, due to high demands for productivity, and low control and little support because of the organization of the workplace. This paper examines how child farmworkers in North Carolina experience their work situation. METHODS: In-depth interviews conducted in 2016 with 30 Latinx child farmworkers, ages 10–17, were analyzed using concepts from the demand-control-support model. All had worked as either migrant or seasonal hired farmworkers within the past year. RESULTS: Children reported planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops including fruits, vegetables, and tobacco. The crew leader supervisory system, piece-rate pay, and co-worker pressure produced significant demands to work quickly and take risks including lifting heavy loads, operating mechanical equipment, and working in excessive heat. Children had little control over work to counter demands they experienced; and they labored in a state of fear of firing, wage theft, and other sanctions. Support was variable, with younger children more likely to experience family and co-worker support than older children. CONCLUSIONS: The high demands with limited control and, for some, little support, that these children experience place them at risk and show the possibility of injury and exploitation. Future research should systematically document the occupational injury and illness of hired child farmworkers, and consider whether changes in labor policy are warranted.

INTRODUCTION It is not known whether out-of-province Canadians, who travel to Alberta for work, are at increased risk of occupational injury. METHODS Workers' compensation board (WCB) claims in 2013 to 2015 for those injured in Alberta were extracted by home province. Denominator data, from Statistics Canada, indicated the numbers from Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) employed in Alberta in 2012. Both datasets were stratified by industry, age, and gender. Logistic regression estimated the risk of a worker from NL making a WCB claim in 2013 or 2014, stratified by time lost from work. Bias from under-reporting was examined in responses to injury questions in a cohort of trades' workers across Canada and in a pilot study in Fort McMurray, Alberta. RESULTS Injury reporting rate in workers from NL was lower than those from Alberta, with a marked deficit (odds ratio [OR] = 0.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12-0.27) for injuries resulting in 1 to 30 days off work. Among the 1520 from Alberta in the trades' cohort, 327 participants reported 444 work injuries: 34.5% were reported to the WCB, rising to 69.4% in those treated by a physician. A total of 52 injuries in Alberta were recorded by 151 workers in the Fort McMurray cohort. In logistic regression, very similar factors predicted WCB reporting in the trades and Fort McMurray cohorts, but those from out-of-province or recently settled in Alberta were much less likely to report (OR = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.00-0.40). CONCLUSION Differential rates of under-reporting explain in part the overall low estimates of injuries in interprovincial workers but not the deficit in time-loss 1 to 30 days.

Background Alaska's onshore seafood processing industry is economically vital and hazardous. Methods Accepted Alaska workers' compensation claims data from 2014 to 2015 were manually reviewed and coded with the Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System and associated work activity. Workforce data were utilized to calculate rates. Results 2,889 claims of nonfatal injuries/illnesses were accepted for compensation. The average annual claim rate was 63 per 1000 workers. This was significantly higher than Alaska's all-industry rate of 44 claims per 1000 workers (RR = 1.42, 95%CI = 1.37-1.48). The most frequently occurring injuries/illnesses, were by nature, sprains/strains/tears (n = 993, 36%); by body part, upper limbs (1212, 43%); and by event, contact with objects/equipment (1020, 37%) and overexertion/bodily reaction (933, 34%). Incidents associated with seafood processing/canning/freezing (n = 818) frequently involved: repetitive motion; overexertion while handling pans, fish, and buckets; and contact with fish, pans, and machinery. Conclusions Ergonomic and safety solutions should be implemented to prevent musculoskeletal injuries/illnesses in seafood processing.

Background This study was designed to identify potential effects of workload and sleep on injury occurrence. Methods Questionnaires were disseminated to janitors in the SEIU Local 26 union; 390 responded and provided information on workload, sleep, and injury outcomes. Quantitative measurements of workload and sleep were collected via FitBit devices from a subset of 58 janitors. Regression techniques were implemented to determine risk. Results Thirty-seven percent reported increased workload over the study period Adjusted analyses indicated a significant effect of change in workload (RR: 1.94; 95%CI: 1.40-2.70) and sleep hours (RR: 2.21; 95%CI: 1.33-3.66) on occupational injury. Among those with sleep disturbances, injury risk was greater for those with less than five, versus more than five, days of moderate to vigorous physical activity; RR: 2.77; 95%CI: 1.16-6.59). Conclusions Increased workload and sleep disturbances increased the risk of injury, suggesting employers should address these factors to mitigate occupational injuries.

BACKGROUND The method "Learning by mistakes" was developed in Italy to conduct occupational injury investigations and to collect information on the genesis of injuries. The aim is to analyze data classified with this method in order to identify patterns among the factors contributing to injury dynamics. METHODS Data regarding 673 factors, corresponding to 354 occupational fatalities that occurred in the Piedmont region (north-west of Italy) during 2005-2014 were considered. Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was applied to find patterns among these factors. RESULTS The eight-class model was selected. Most of the factors fell in the class "Fall from height or vehicle rollover due to incorrect practice" (40.56%) while the remaining factors where heterogeneously distributed in the other classes. CONCLUSIONS All the classes found allow for a logical interpretation. Systematic use of LCA could aid in uncovering new, unexpected patterns of factors not otherwise detectable by analysis of the single fatal accident.

Background Agricultural safety and health researchers have used a variety of classification and coding schemes to identify and categorize injury, illness, and disease associated with agricultural hazards. This paper demonstrates how the Farm and Agricultural Injury Classification (FAIC) and Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System (OIICS) coding schemes can be used in tandem for all agricultural injuries. Methods Specific cases from the AgInjuryNews.org database were selected to illustrate how the FAIC and OIICS codes can be applied to agricultural injury, and to illustrate limitations that still exist with each coding scheme. Results Using the FAIC and OIICS together provided a clearer picture of an injury incident by combining more explicit occupational and non-occupational exposures with incident type details in a single table. Conclusions Both FAIC and OIICS coding schemes depend on sufficient information being available from injury reports. This paper concluded with suggestions for improving coding of agricultural injury.

Objectives This study investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort among female cabin crew through cabin tasks and demographic factors, including age and seniority. Methods This study conducted an online questionnaire survey targeted at female cabin crew in Taiwan and ensured that the sample size was with a statistical power of 0.95. This study evaluated the work intensity by ranking six common cabin tasks and examined musculoskeletal discomfort with Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to learn the work intensity and discomfort conditions. In addition, the Chi‐square test of independence and multivariate adjustment were applied to clarify the impact of age and occupation on musculoskeletal discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Results This study enrolled 88 female cabin crew members. Handling carry‐on baggage was voted as the highest intensity cabin task (40%), which was also ranked as the strongest intensity on shoulders. Meanwhile, the upper trunk was more prevalent in musculoskeletal discomfort. Moreover, after multivariate adjustment with controlling the effect of age, this study found a marginal significant association (p = .09) between seniority and right shoulder discomfort for younger staff. Conclusion This study found that handling carry‐on baggage was associated with musculoskeletal complaints in the shoulders. Therefore, this study suggested that shoulders, especially for the right side might be related to the occupational injury, which was prevalent along with seniority among the younger crew. Overall, this study provided the preliminary findings to improve occupational training for preventive health.

Portugal, with a relatively high fatality rate for occupational accidents, faces the challenge of reducing fatalities with limited funding. This research identifies significant predictors in Portugal and estimates probabilities of occurrence. The model, based on applied logistic regression, suggests that policy‐makers should focus prevention efforts on older workers; persons with permanent contracts; those employed by large enterprises or at workplaces in the trade or services sectors; and those exposed to deviations by overflow, overturn, leak, flow, vaporization or emissions that are likely to cause musculoskeletal disorders, wounds, fractures or traumatic amputations.

Background Accuracy of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) data is dependent on employer compliance with workplace injury and illness recordkeeping requirements. Characterization of employer recordkeeping can inform efforts to improve the data. Methods We interviewed representative samples of SOII respondents from four states to identify common recordkeeping errors and to assess employer characteristics associated with limited knowledge of the recordkeeping requirements and non compliant practices. Results Less than half of the establishments required to maintain OSHA injury and illness records reported doing so. Few establishments knew to omit cases limited to diagnostic services (22%) and to count unscheduled weekend days as missed work (27%). No single state or establishment characteristic was consistently associated with better or worse record-keeping. Conclusion Many employers possess a limited understanding of workplace injury recordkeeping requirements, potentially leading them to over-report minor incidents, and under-report missed work cases.

Objectives: Human resources (HR) are essential indicators of safety and health (SH) status, and HR can be key sources of workplace safety management such as safety and health education at work (SHEW). This study analyzed significant HR factors associated with SHEW of small manufacturing businesses in Korea. Methods: The secondary data of the 2012 Korea Occupational Safety and Health Trend Survey were used to achieve this research purpose. A total of 2,089 supervisors or managers employed in the small manufacturing businesses completed the interview survey. Survey businesses were selected by multiple stratified sampling method based on industry code, business size, and region in Korea. The survey included workplace characteristics of HR and SHEW. Results: SHEW was significantly related to business size, occupational injury incidence in the previous year, foreign and elderly worker employment, presence of site supervisors, and presence of SH committees (p

Background Although loggers in Alaska are at high risk for occupational injury, no comprehensive review of such injuries has been performed since the mid-1990s. We investigated work-related injuries in the Alaska logging industry during 1991-2014. Methods Using data from the Alaska Trauma Registry and the Alaska Occupational Injury Surveillance System, we described fatal and nonfatal injuries by factors including worker sex and age, timing and geographic location of injuries, and four injury characteristics. Annual injury rates and associated 5-year simple moving averages were calculated. Results We identified an increase in the 5-year simple moving averages of fatal injury rates beginning around 2005. While injury characteristics were largely consistent between the first 14 and most recent 10 years of the investigation, the size of logging companies declined significantly between these periods. Conclusions Factors associated with declines in the size of Alaska logging companies might have contributed to the observed increase in fatal injury rates.

Background Workplace violence is a substantial occupational hazard for healthcare workers in the United States. Methods We analyzed workplace violence injury surveillance data submitted by hospitals participating in the Occupational Health Safety Network (OHSN) from 2012 to 2015. Results Data were frequently missing for several important variables. Nursing assistants (14.89, 95%CI 10.12-21.91) and nurses (8.05, 95%CI 6.14-10.55) had the highest crude workplace violence injury rates per 1000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers. Nursing assistants' (IRR 2.82, 95%CI 2.36-3.36) and nurses' (IRR 1.70, 95%CI 1.45-1.99) adjusted workplace violence injury rates were significantly higher than those of non-patient care personnel. On average, the overall rate of workplace violence injury among OHSN-participating hospitals increased by 23% annually during the study period. Conclusion Improved data collection is needed for OHSN to realize its full potential. Workplace violence is a serious, increasingly common problem in OHSN-participating hospitals. Nursing assistants and nurses have the highest injury risk.

BACKGROUND Agriculture and logging are dangerous industries, and though data on fatal injury exists, less is known about non-fatal injury. Establishing a non-fatal injury surveillance system is a top priority. Pre-hospital care reports and hospitalization data were explored as a low-cost option for ongoing surveillance of occupational injury. METHODS Using pre-hospital care report free-text and location codes, along with hospital ICD-9-CM external cause of injury codes, we created a surveillance system that tracked farm and logging injuries. RESULTS In Maine and New Hampshire, 1585 injury events were identified (2008-2010). The incidence of injuries was 12.4/1000 for agricultural workers, compared to 10.4/1000 to 12.2/1000 for logging workers. CONCLUSIONS These estimates are consistent with other recent estimates. This system is limited to traumatic injury for which medical treatment is administered, and is limited by the accuracy of coding and spelling. This system has the potential to be both sustainable and low cost.

This study is concerned with the characteristics of occupational injuries and sick leave for gas cylinder handling workers. Possible incidents and sick leave have been identified and analyzed for 223 occupational accidents in the gas cylinder handling work. Management level of accidents for prioritizing prevention measures is induced for the combination of accident agencies, types, and gas cylinder handling work processes. Accidents occurring during the specific gas cylinder handling work process showed different characteristics, depending on the type and agency of the accident. Most critical accidents that require corrective actions for prevention were slips and trips caused by floors, walkways, steps, or ground surfaces and overexertion and bodily reaction and posture caused by gas cylinder in the manual delivery of heavy cylinders process. Also, fall to lower level caused by floors, walkways, steps, or ground surfaces in the loading to and unloading from vehicles process and struck by or against caused by fixtures in the manual delivery of heavy cylinders process were also ranked high. The findings of this study can be used to develop more effective accident prevention policies to reduce occupational accidents in gas cylinder handling works.

This study is concerned with the characteristics of occupational injuries and sick leaves for the workers doing parking lot management. Possible incidents and sick leaves have been identified and analyzed for 470 occupational accidents in the parking lot management process. Management level of accidents for prioritizing prevention measures is induced for the combination of the accident types and parking lot management processes. Accidents occurring during the specific parking lot management process showed different characteristics, depending on the type of accident and agency of accident. Most critical accidents that required corrective actions for prevention were being struck by an object in the “guide” process and slipping in the “valet parking” process. And, possible incidents predicted also as high level of management were slips in the “fee collection” and “cleaning” processes and falls to lower level in the “operating lift” and “repair” processes. Also, traffic accidents in the “guide” process, overexertion and bodily reaction and posture in the “patrol” process were ranked ‘high. The findings of this study can be used to develop more effective accident prevention policies to reduce occupational accidents in parking lot management.

Background Underreporting in the nation's primary source of non-fatal occupational injury and illness data are well documented, but worker-level characteristics of unreported cases have not been fully explored. Methods Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) data were linked to Washington workers’ compensation claims to identify injury and claim characteristics associated with unreported cases. Workers’ compensation administrative date data were used to characterize timing of disability and SOII case eligibility. Results Based on claim date data, one in five lost time claims with an injury date in the survey year were likely ineligible for SOII case reporting during the survey year. Among SOII-eligible claims, those involving sprains or strains, employer protests, and those not eligible for work disability payments until months after the initial injury were least likely to be reported in SOII. Conclusions SOII case capture is limited both by its cross sectional survey design and employer underreporting. Am. J. Ind. Med. 9999:XX–XX, © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Introduction Despite the size and breadth of OSHA's Outreach Training program for construction, information on its impact on work-related injury rates is limited. Methods In a 9-year dynamic cohort of 17,106 union carpenters in Washington State, the effectiveness of OSHA Outreach Training on workers’ compensation claims rate was explored. Injury rates were calculated by training status overall and by carpenters’ demographic and work characteristics using Poisson regression. Results OSHA Outreach Training resulted in a 13% non-significant reduction in injury claims rates overall. The protective effect was more pronounced for carpenters in their apprenticeship years, drywall installers, and with increasing time since training. Conclusions In line with these observed effects and prior research, it is unrealistic to expect OSHA Outreach Training alone to have large effects on union construction workers’ injury rates. Standard construction industry practice should include hazard awareness and protection training, coupled with more efficient approaches to injury control. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:45–57, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

BACKGROUND: The logging industry is recognized as one of the most dangerous professions in the U.S., but little is known about safety management practices on remote logging sites. METHODS: A total of six focus group sessions were held among logging supervisors and front line crew members in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas (N = 27 participants). RESULTS: Participants perceived that logging was a dangerous profession, but its risks had been mitigated in several ways, most notably through mechanization of timber harvesting. Log trucking-related incidents were widely identified as the primary source of risk for injury and death on logging work sites. Human error, in general, and being out of the machinery on the work site were highlighted as additional sources of risk. CONCLUSIONS: Participants indicated high levels of personal motivation to work in a safe manner but tended to underestimate workplace hazards and expressed widely varying levels of co-worker trust. Am. J. Ind. Med. 9999:1-11, © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en

BACKGROUND: Under-reporting of type II (patient/visitor-on-worker) violence by workers has been attributed to a lack of essential event details needed to inform prevention strategies. METHODS: Mixed methods including surveys and focus groups were used to examine patterns of reporting type II violent events among ∼11,000 workers at six U.S. hospitals. RESULTS: Of the 2,098 workers who experienced a type II violent event, 75% indicated they reported. Reporting patterns were disparate including reports to managers, co-workers, security, and patients' medical records-with only 9% reporting into occupational injury/safety reporting systems. Workers were unclear about when and where to report, and relied on their own "threshold" of when to report based on event circumstances. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings contradict prior findings that workers significantly under-report violent events. Coordinated surveillance efforts across departments are needed to capture workers' reports, including the use of a designated violence reporting system that is supported by reporting policies. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en

Objective Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) share detailed methodologies from conducting two follow-back studies initiated in 2010 that were designed to assess whether workers reported their injuries and illnesses to their employers and to identify worker incentives and disincentives for reporting work-related injuries to employers. Methodology Study respondents were sampled from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System occupational supplement (NEISS-Work), an emergency department-based surveillance system. Telephone interviews were used to collect information directly from workers. Outcomes Among persons treated in emergency departments who could be identified as working at the time of injury or illness, most reported their injury or illness to their employer. Our studies did not assess if these reported injuries and illnesses were recorded on the Occupational Safety and Health logs. Discussion Our approach suggests that emergency department-based surveillance data are limited in their utility to investigate underreporting among workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:600–609, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

BACKGROUND: The electric power industry represents a unique subset of the U.S. workforce. We aimed to evaluate the relationships between occupational category, nature of injury, and injury severity among electric power industry workers. METHODS: The Occupational Health and Safety Database (1995-2013) was used to calculate injury rates, assess patterns of injury severity, and identify at-risk occupations in this population. RESULTS: Over the surveillance period, a total of 63,193 injuries were reported. Overall, and severe injury rates were 3.20 and 0.52 per 100 employee-years, respectively. The fatal injury rate was 3.29 per 100,000 employee-years. Line workers experienced the highest risk for fatal injuries and second highest for non-fatal severe injuries, following meter readers. The most severe non-fatal injuries were hernia and rupture; multiple injuries; and CTD/RSI. Fatal injuries were most commonly associated with vehicle collisions and contact with electric current. CONCLUSIONS: Industry specific surveillance and interventions tailored to high-risk occupations are needed to further reduce severe injuries in this population. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en

This study investigates the domestic waste collecting processes and the characteristics of occupational injuries in each collecting process. Accident data for 517 injured persons were categorized by the collecting processes in progress during the accident and were analyzed in terms of age of injured person, length of employment, accident type, and source of accident. Results show that "waste collecting" 42.2% was the most common type of collecting process in injuries, followed by "loading of waste" 36.3%, "truck driving during collection" 9.3%, "going/returning to work" 8.1%, and "unloading at a disposal site" 4.1%. Also, the most probable form of accident was slips on slippery ground in the "waste collecting" process 18.4%, followed by falls on slippery surface at a height in the process of "loading of waste" 8.5% and musculoskeletal disorders MSDs by improper posture and heavy waste bags in "loading of waste" 7.9%, and vehicle accidents in "going/returning to work" 7.4%. Meanwhile, the most deaths were due to falls by clinging on to the footrest of garbage trucks in "truck driving during collection" 28.6% and vehicle accidents in "going/returning to work" 28.6%. This study is a descriptive retrospective examination of injury records. The findings of this study can be used as basic information in order to prevent hazardous incidents reoccurring in the domestic waste collection industry.

BACKGROUND: Metal fabrication workers are at high risk for machine-related injury. Apart from amputations, data on factors contributing to this problem are generally absent. METHODS: Narrative text analysis was performed on workers' compensation claims in order to identify machine-related injuries and determine work tasks involved. Data were further evaluated on the basis of cost per claim, nature of injury, and part of body. RESULTS: From an initial set of 4,268 claims, 1,053 were classified as machine-related. Frequently identified tasks included machine operation (31%), workpiece handling (20%), setup/adjustment (15%), and removing chips (12%). Lacerations to finger(s), hand, or thumb comprised 38% of machine-related injuries; foreign body in the eye accounted for 20%. Amputations were relatively rare but had highest costs per claim (mean $21,059; median $11,998). CONCLUSIONS: Despite limitations, workers' compensation data were useful in characterizing machine-related injuries. Improving the quality of data collected by insurers would enhance occupational injury surveillance and prevention efforts. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en

BACKGROUND: Hired crop workers in the United States are at high risk of occupational injury. Targeted surveillance is important for effective occupational safety efforts. METHODS: The National Agricultural Workers Survey was utilized to collect injury data during the years 1999, 2002-2004 (period I) and 2008-2010 (period II). RESULTS: The overall injury rate declined between the two periods from 4.3 to 2.9/100 per full-time week-based equivalents (FTEWB ). Injury rates remained high during both periods for those with greater than 20 years farm experience (3.6 and 3.8/100 FTEWB ) and pesticide handling work (4.9 and 5.0/100 FTEWB ). Overexertion, contact with objects and equipment, and falls from height were common during both periods. Older workers comprised a greater proportion of injury cases in period II. CONCLUSION: Overexertion that leads to sprains/strains, dangerous ladder use, and pesticide use should be targeted as important risk exposures on the farm. Am. J. Ind. Med. © Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.© 2016 Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Language: en

This study aims to provide an analysis of occupational accidents in commercial kitchens by restaurant type. In this research, 1,846 injured persons of restaurant kitchens accidents from 2009 to 2011 have been categorized by Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Western cuisine restaurants. Also, these data were analyzed in terms of properties of the workplace size of employment, injured persons gender, age of injured person, and work experience, and accidents accident type and agency of accident. The results showed the following patterns by the restaurant types: 1 While accidents at Korean 72.2%, Chinese 80.8%, and Japanese 64.0% cuisine restaurants occurred mostly in small kitchens with under 5 employees, Western cuisine kitchens of this size had an accident rate of only 39.1%; 2 30-40% of injured persons had less than 1 year of experience in Korean, Japanese, and Western cooking, whereas in Chinese kitchens, less-experienced cooks composed a larger portion of patients 56.2%; 3 each cuisine showed different leading types of injuries. Slips and falls for Korean kitchens 29.2%, caught in and between objects for Chinese restaurants kitchens 55.3%, and cuts/amputations/punctures in Japanese and Western restaurants 42.1% and 34.8%, respectively were the biggest contributors to injuries in each type of restaurant. These findings of accident properties according to restaurant types can be used as baseline data for establishing systemized preventive policies.

The purpose of this study is to assess the comprehensiveness of voluntary occupational health and safety (OHS) disclosures of large business entities. We devise a composite disclosure index, relying on well‐established performance indicators, and focus on the information found in the sustainability reports of corporations pertaining to the oil and gas, chemical, airline, and construction industries, in an attempt to shed light on the current status and emerging trends in OHS reporting from a diverse group of business entities. The findings indicate that companies tend to place emphasis on their overall management approach to OHS, but fall short in reporting quantitative and qualitative information beyond the ‘conventional’ metrics of occupational injury rates. OHS issues within the supply chain and relevant monitoring systems/mechanisms in place are topics that are underreported, while OHS training programmes are an aspect that is inadequately analyzed in quantitative terms, being the least reported indicator in the sample reports. In contrast, companies from all four industries seek assurance for the OHS information that they report and place emphasis on the externally developed management standards/initiatives that they subscribe to, support, or have adopted.

Background Research has infrequently looked beyond the injured worker when gauging the burden of occupational injury. Objectives We explored the relationship between occupational injury and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among family members of injured workers. Data and Methods We used 2005 and 2006 Truven Health Analytics databases, which contain information on workers' compensation and family healthcare claims. We used descriptive analyses, and negative binomial and two-part models. Results Family members of severely injured workers had a 15% increase in the total number of MSD outpatient claims and a 34% increase in the mean cost of MSD claims compared to family members of non-severely injured workers within 3 months after injury. Extrapolating cost results to the national level implies that severe occupational injury would be associated with between $29 and $33 million additional cost of family member outpatient MSD claims. Conclusion Occupational injury can impose a formerly unrecognized health burden on family members of injured workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:1205–1216, 2015. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

OBJECTIVE: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers are shift workers in a high-risk, uncontrolled occupational environment. EMS-worker fatigue has been associated with self-reported injury, but the influence of extended weekly work hours is unknown. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was designed using historical shift schedules and occupational injury and illness reports. Using multilevel models, we examined the association between weekly work hours, crew familiarity, and injury or illness. RESULTS: In total, 966,082 shifts and 950 reports across 14 EMS agencies were obtained over a 1-3 year period. Weekly work hours were not associated with occupational injury or illness. Schedule characteristics that yield decreased exposure to occupational hazards, such as part-time work and night work, conferred reduced risk of injury or illness. CONCLUSIONS: Extended weekly work hours were not associated with occupational injury or illness. Future work should focus on transient exposures and agency-level characteristics that may contribute to adverse work events. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en

BACKGROUND: This paper uses new data to examine the gap in injury and fatality rates between immigrant men and women and their Canadian-born counterparts. METHODS: Data from the 2011 National Household Survey and the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada were used to determine the difference in occupational and industry injury and fatality rates between various arrival cohorts of immigrants and those Canadian born. RESULTS: For both men and women, there is no significant difference in occupational injury and fatality rates between various arrival cohorts of immigrants and Canadian-born workers. However, industry injury and fatality rates are lower for the most recent arrival cohorts of immigrants relative to Canadian-born workers. CONCLUSIONS: Although immigrants face many hurdles and challenges in their resettlement process in Canada, given the evidence from the paper, they are not likely to be at higher risk for work-related injuries relative to those Canadian-born. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en

BACKGROUND: For truck drivers, distracted driving is a workplace behavior that increases occupational injury risk. We propose safety climate as an appropriate lens through which researchers can examine occupational distracted driving. METHODS: Using a mixed methods study design, we surveyed truck drivers using the Safety Climate Questionnaire (SCQ) complemented by semi-structured interviews of experts on distracted driving and truck safety. Safety climate was assessed by using the entire SCQ as an overall climate score, followed by factor analysis that identified the following safety climate factors: Communications and Procedures; Management Commitment; and Work Pressure. RESULTS: In multivariate regression, the overall safety climate scale was associated with having ever experienced a crash and/or distraction-involved swerving. Interview participants described how these SCQ constructs could affect occupational distracted driving. CONCLUSION: To reduce distraction-related crashes in their organizations, management can adhere to safe policies and procedures, invest in engineering controls, and develop safer communication procedures. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Keywords: Driver distraction; Language: en

BACKGROUND: Research on seafarer medical conditions at sea is limited. This study describes the frequency and distribution of seafarer injury and illness at sea, and explores potential risk factors for resultant lost work. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study analyzed a telemedicine database of 3,921 seafarer medical cases between 2008 and 2011 using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. RESULTS: There were over twice as many illness cases (n = 2,764, 70.5%) as injury (n = 1,157, 29.5%) cases. Disability was more often secondary to illness (n = 646, 54.3%), predominantly from gastrointestinal, dermatologic, and respiratory conditions. Logistic regression revealed age, rank, and worksite as potential risk factors for lost work. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes illness as a significant problem occurring in seafarers at sea. Future research should further elucidate risk factors for illness, as well as injury, to inform preventive measures and reduce seafarer disability. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en

BACKGROUND: Relatively little is known about seasonal patterns in occupational injury risk. Injury risk may vary seasonally due to weather-related factors or changing work exposure. Employer confusion about recordkeeping rules and injury occurrence near year end may also lead to an undercount of year-end injuries. METHODS: Case records from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses and Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries were used to determine seasonality for a variety of injury types. RESULTS: Reported injury rates were higher in summer and lower at year end. Difficult-to-identify injuries showed greater year-end incidence declines. CONCLUSIONS: End-of-year injury declines may have reflected reporting errors for some injury types. The summertime increase in injury risk was broad-based and presumably reflected real seasonal factors. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en

BACKGROUND: Achievement of health equity and elimination of disparities are overarching goals of Healthy People 2020, yet there is a paucity of population-based data regarding race/ethnicity-based disparities in occupational injuries. METHODS: Hospital discharge data for five states (Arizona, California, Florida, New Jersey, and New York) were obtained from the Healthcare Cost & Utilization Project (HCUP) for 2003-2009. Age-adjusted rates and trends for work-related injury hospitalizations were calculated using negative binomial regression (reference category: non-Latino white). RESULTS: Latinos were significantly more likely to have a work-related traumatic injury hospitalization. The disparity for Latinos was greatest for machinery-related hospitalizations. Latinos were also more likely to have a fall-related hospitalization. African-Americans were more likely to have an occupational assault-related hospitalization, but less likely to have a fall-related hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: We found evidence of substantial multistate disparities in occupational injury-related hospitalizations. Enhanced surveillance and further research are needed to identify and address underlying causes. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en

BACKGROUND: Acute nail gun injuries can be controlled significantly by using tools with sequential triggers and training. Concern has been raised that sequential triggers, which require that the nose piece of the gun be depressed prior to pulling the trigger, could increase risk of musculoskeletal problems. METHODS: We conducted active injury surveillance among union carpenter apprentices to monitor acute injuries and musculoskeletal disorders between 2010 and 2013. RESULTS: Acute injury risk was 70% higher with contact trip rather than sequential triggers. Musculoskeletal risk was comparable (contact trip 0.09/10,000 hr (95% CI, 0.02-0.26); sequential 0.08/ 10,000 hr (95% CI 0.02-0.23)). CONCLUSIONS: Concern about excess risk of musculoskeletal problems from nail guns with sequential triggers is unwarranted. Both actuation systems carry comparable musculoskeletal risk which is far less than the risk of acute injury; there is clearly no justification for failure to prevent acute injuries through use of the safer sequential trigger. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en

Objective To investigate a range of transient risk factors for an episode of sudden-onset, acute low back pain (LBP). Methods This case–crossover study recruited 999 subjects with a new episode of acute LBP between October 2011 and November 2012 from 300 primary care clinics in Sydney, Australia. Each participant was asked to report exposure to 12 putative triggers over the 96 hours preceding the onset of back pain. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) expressing the magnitude of increased risk with exposure to each trigger. Results Exposure to a range of physical and psychosocial triggers significantly increased the risk of a new onset of LBP; ORs ranged from 2.7 (moderate or vigorous physical activity) to 25.0 (distracted during an activity or task). Age moderated the effect of exposure to heavy loads and sexual activity. The ORs for heavy loads for people ages 20, 40, or 60 years were 13.6, 6.0, and 2.7, respectively. The risk of developing back pain was greatest between 7:00 AM and noon. Conclusion Transient exposure to a number of modifiable physical and psychosocial triggers substantially increases risk for a new episode of LBP. Triggers previously evaluated in occupational injury studies, but never in LBP, have been shown to significantly increase risk. These results aid our understanding of the causes of LBP and can inform the development of new prevention approaches.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between sleep and occupational injury risk has not been adequately explored for working adolescents. METHODS: Data were analyzed from the 2010 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey of 8th, 10th, and 12th grade public school students. Teens reported average school and weekend night sleep hours and history of work-related injury that received medical treatment. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated the association between sleep duration and occupational injury. RESULTS: Of 4,144 working teens, 6.4% reported ever having an occupational injury. Teens who sleep ≤5 hr/school night had greater odds of a history of occupational injury than those sleeping 8 hr (OR:2.91, 95% CI:1.85-4.57). No significant association was observed for weekend night sleep duration. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced school night sleep was associated with increased odds of work-related injury in adolescents. Long hours and late night schedules may contribute to decreased sleep time and potentially have other health and developmental impacts for youth. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en