TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2006//
TI  - Evaluation of the burden of logging injuries using West Virginia workers' compensation claims data from 1996 to 2001
JO  - American journal of industrial medicine
A1  - Helmkamp, James C.
A1  - Singla, Lisa
A1  - Mujuru, Priscah
A1  - Bell, J.
A1  - Hu, Wen
SP  - 1039
EP  - 1045
VL  - 49
IS  - 12
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 0271-3586
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ajim.20389
ID  - ref1
ER  -