@article{ref1,
title="Evaluation of the burden of logging injuries using West Virginia workers' compensation claims data from 1996 to 2001",
journal="American journal of industrial medicine",
year="2006",
author="Helmkamp, James C. and Singla, Lisa and Mujuru, Priscah and Bell, J. and Hu, Wen",
volume="49",
number="12",
pages="1039-1045",
abstract="BACKGROUND: The risks associated with logging are well documented, however little work has been done on estimating the economic impact of injuries among loggers. METHODS: West Virginia Workers' Compensation claims data for the period 1996-2001 was used to assess the economic burden of logging injuries in the state. RESULTS: There were 1,371 claimants during this period with the highest number of claims (39%) in the 25-34 years age category. The total cost of injuries was over $14 million. The most severe injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), thoracic, cervical, and lumbar, resulted in the highest medical costs, indemnity costs and permanent disability. The average medical cost for logging-related to TBI was $198,048 compared to $15,321 for other major industries. CONCLUSIONS: The magnitude of the economic costs underscores the need for active research of injury prevention among loggers and for greater attention to occupational safety and health programs.   <p></p>  <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0271-3586",
doi="10.1002/ajim.20389",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ajim.20389"
}