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Citation |
McCall BP, Horwitz IB. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2005; 49(1): 45-53. |
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Affiliation |
University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management, Industrial Relations Center, USA. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2005, John Wiley and Sons) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
16362940 |
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Abstract |
BACKGROUND: Occupational eye injuries have been recognized as a serious health risk to workers and are in need of further investigation to develop effective interventions. METHODS: Rhode Island workers' compensation claims of ocular injury between 1998 through 2002 (n = 8,877) were examined. The Current Population Survey was used to estimate occupational employment levels as a baseline for rate calculations. RESULTS: The estimated ocular injury claim rate was 32.9 per 10,000 workers (95% CI = 32.3-33.6), with the cost of claims totaling $1,514,666 and averaging $171 per claim. The highest estimated claim rate of all occupations was found for construction laborers of 373.7 per 10,000 workers (95% CI = 267.1-480.3). Relative to the durable manufacturing industry, the highest risk of injury resulting in disability indemnification was the wholesale trade industry (OR = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.19-4.01, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Many of the eye injuries reported were likely preventable. Greater diligence, training, and safety precautions are needed to reduce the risk of eye injury to employees. |