TY - JOUR PY - 2015// TI - If it bleeds, it leads: the construction of workplace injury in Canadian newspapers, 2009-2014 JO - International journal of occupational and environmental health A1 - Barnetson, Bob A1 - Foster, Jason SP - 258 EP - 265 VL - 21 IS - 3 N2 - BACKGROUND: Public perceptions of workplace injuries are shaped by media reports, but the accuracy of such reports is unknown.

OBJECTIVES: This study identifies differences between workers' compensation claims data and newspaper reports of workplace injuries in Canadian newspapers and media sources.

METHODS: This study applies quantitative content analysis to 245 Canadian English-language newspaper articles from 2009 to 2014. Workers' compensation claims data is drawn from the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada.

RESULTS: Newspapers dramatically overreport fatalities, injuries to men, injuries in the construction and mining/quarrying/oil industries, injuries stemming from contact with objects/equipment and fires/explosions, and acute physical injuries such as burns, fractures, intracranial injuries, and traumatic injuries. Newspaper reporters tend to rely upon government, police/firefighter, and employer accounts, rarely recounting the perspectives of workers.

CONCLUSION: Newspapers overreported fatalities, injuries to men, and injuries in the construction and mining/quarrying/oil industries. This results in a misleading picture of occupational injuries in Canada.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 1077-3525 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/2049396715Y.0000000003 ID - ref1 ER -