Tiffani A Fordyce1, Megan J Leonhard2, Heather N Watson3, Gabor Mezei4, Ximena P Vergara5, Lovely Krishen6. 1. Exponent, Inc., Health Sciences Group, Oakland, California. tfordyce@exponent.com. 2. Exponent, Inc., Health Sciences Group, Bellevue, Washington. 3. Exponent, Inc., Statistical and Data Sciences Group, Menlo Park, California. 4. Exponent, Inc., Health Sciences Group, Menlo Park, California. 5. Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Palo Alto, California. 6. Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Knoxville, Tennessee.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The electric power industry represents a unique subset of the U.S. workforce. We aimed to evaluate the relationships between occupational category, nature of injury, and injury severity among electric power industry workers. METHODS: The Occupational Health and Safety Database (1995-2013) was used to calculate injury rates, assess patterns of injury severity, and identify at-risk occupations in this population. RESULTS: Over the surveillance period, a total of 63,193 injuries were reported. Overall, and severe injury rates were 3.20 and 0.52 per 100 employee-years, respectively. The fatal injury rate was 3.29 per 100,000 employee-years. Line workers experienced the highest risk for fatal injuries and second highest for non-fatal severe injuries, following meter readers. The most severe non-fatal injuries were hernia and rupture; multiple injuries; and CTD/RSI. Fatal injuries were most commonly associated with vehicle collisions and contact with electric current. CONCLUSIONS: Industry specific surveillance and interventions tailored to high-risk occupations are needed to further reduce severe injuries in this population. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:948-958, 2016.
BACKGROUND: The electric power industry represents a unique subset of the U.S. workforce. We aimed to evaluate the relationships between occupational category, nature of injury, and injury severity among electric power industry workers. METHODS: The Occupational Health and Safety Database (1995-2013) was used to calculate injury rates, assess patterns of injury severity, and identify at-risk occupations in this population. RESULTS: Over the surveillance period, a total of 63,193 injuries were reported. Overall, and severe injury rates were 3.20 and 0.52 per 100 employee-years, respectively. The fatal injury rate was 3.29 per 100,000 employee-years. Line workers experienced the highest risk for fatal injuries and second highest for non-fatal severe injuries, following meter readers. The most severe non-fatal injuries were hernia and rupture; multiple injuries; and CTD/RSI. Fatal injuries were most commonly associated with vehicle collisions and contact with electric current. CONCLUSIONS: Industry specific surveillance and interventions tailored to high-risk occupations are needed to further reduce severe injuries in this population. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:948-958, 2016.
Authors: Mohamad Xazaquan Mansor Ali; Kadir Arifin; Azlan Abas; Mohd Akhir Ahmad; Muhammad Khairil; Muhammad Basir Cyio; Muhammad Ahsan Samad; Ilyas Lampe; Mahfudz Mahfudz; Muhammad Nur Ali Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-05-19 Impact factor: 4.614