Inpyo Jeon1, Ja-Ho Leigh1,2,3, Jun-Soo Ro4, Young Sun Ro5, Seung Hak Lee6, Hyung-Ik Shin1, Moon Suk Bang1. 1. 1 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. 2. 2 Institute of Public Health and Medical Service, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea. 3. 3 Medical Rehabilitation Center, Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service Incheon Hospital, Incheon, Korea. 4. 4 Clinical Preventive Medicine Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea. 5. 5 Laboratory of Emergency Medical Services, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea. 6. 6 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Epidemiological data for work-related traumatic limb amputations are limited worldwide, particularly incidence trends related to workplace characteristics. OBJECTIVES: To investigate nationwide incidence rates and trends for amputations according to industry and establishment size. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Incidence rates were calculated using workers' compensation claims in South Korea from 2004 to 2013. Age-sex standardization was conducted, and trends related to workplace characteristics were statistically analyzed using the chi-square test. RESULTS: The overall incidence rate was 38.8 claims per 100,000 workers. Decreasing trends over time in age-sex standardized incidence were observed. Most claims occurred in manufacturing and construction industries. Incidence within the manufacturing decreased significantly (p < 0.001), but not in the construction (p = 0.130) industry. Small-sized establishments (<50 employees) accounted for 77.8% of claims. Incidence in small establishments significantly decreased between 2004 and 2013 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A decreasing incidence rate for traumatic amputations in manufacturing and small establishments may imply that preventive measures have been successful in South Korea. If so, these strategies may be useful for other fast-growing Asian economies. Further research is needed to identify the causes of traumatic amputations according to industry and establishment size. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Trends in the incidence rate of work-related traumatic limb amputations related to workplace characteristics can provide useful information for policy makers to improve prevention strategies.
BACKGROUND: Epidemiological data for work-related traumatic limb amputations are limited worldwide, particularly incidence trends related to workplace characteristics. OBJECTIVES: To investigate nationwide incidence rates and trends for amputations according to industry and establishment size. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Incidence rates were calculated using workers' compensation claims in South Korea from 2004 to 2013. Age-sex standardization was conducted, and trends related to workplace characteristics were statistically analyzed using the chi-square test. RESULTS: The overall incidence rate was 38.8 claims per 100,000 workers. Decreasing trends over time in age-sex standardized incidence were observed. Most claims occurred in manufacturing and construction industries. Incidence within the manufacturing decreased significantly (p < 0.001), but not in the construction (p = 0.130) industry. Small-sized establishments (<50 employees) accounted for 77.8% of claims. Incidence in small establishments significantly decreased between 2004 and 2013 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A decreasing incidence rate for traumatic amputations in manufacturing and small establishments may imply that preventive measures have been successful in South Korea. If so, these strategies may be useful for other fast-growing Asian economies. Further research is needed to identify the causes of traumatic amputations according to industry and establishment size. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Trends in the incidence rate of work-related traumatic limb amputations related to workplace characteristics can provide useful information for policy makers to improve prevention strategies.