Citation

Plurad DS, Talving P, Lam L, Inaba K, Green D, Demetriades D. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 2011; 53(8): 879-883.

Affiliation

Division of Trauma/Emergency Surgery/Critical Care, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (Dr Plurad) and Division of Acute Care Surgery, LAC+USC Medical Center (Drs Talving, Lam, Inaba, and Demetriades), Los Angeles, CA; and Division of Trauma, Critical Care, and Emergency Surgery, Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson, AZ (Dr Green).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JOM.0b013e3182255d14

PMID

21775899

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:: Outcome comparisons between workplace versus nonworkplace ssaults have not been studied. We hypothesize that workplace attacks are more lethal. METHODS:: Utilizing the National Trauma Data Bank v 7.0, cases of assault with a work-related status were examined. Outcomes (complications and mortality) between the workgroup and the nonworkgroup are compared. RESULTS:: Of 48,541 cases, 2439 (5.0%) were workgroup. Mortality was 6.4% in the workgroup versus 5.3% in the nonworkgroup (P = 0.02). For firearms, mortality was 14.6% versus 10.9%, respectively (P < 0.01). The incidence of complications was 5.2% versus 1.3% (P < 0.01), respectively. An assault perpetrated at the workplace was independently associated with mortality and complications. CONCLUSIONS:: Workplace assault independently predicts death, particularly in relation to firearms. Measures must be taken to reduce this risk to the workforce.

Language: en