Occupational Accidents (occupational + accident)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Evaluation and economic impact analysis of different treatment options for ankle distortions in occupational accidents

JOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 5 2010
Amaryllis Audenaert Grad Eng PhD
Abstract Rationale, aims and objectives, Appropriate use of diagnostic and treatment modalities are essential for rational use of resources. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of diagnostic modalities and different treatment options and their economic impacts following an acute ankle distortion resulting from an occupational accident. We evaluated the type-of-treatment impact on the victims' course of recovery as well as its impact on the associated accident costs. Research was carried out in Belgium. Methods, An ankle distortion victims' database consisting of 200 cases of (Belgian) occupational accidents during the period 2005,2007 was analysed. Results, Patients who were prescribed immobilization or the use of adjuvant support or physical therapy (118 cases) were not employed during a period of 37 days on average, with a mean total cost of 3140.14 Euros caused by the ankle sprain. Patients without any adjuvant therapy (82 cases) were characterized by an unemployment rate of 15 days on average, and a total cost of 1077.86 Euros. Cast immobilization, although its application is not supported by evidence-based literature, was still applied in 36% of the population studied and resulted in the longest average absence of work of 42 days with an obvious significant increase in medical and total costs. Conclusions, Our results show a high rate of inappropriate use of cast immobilizations for ankle distortions. From an economic point of view and for the same clinical endpoint (being full resumption of the occupational activities), simple conventional treatment, consisting of rest, ice, compression and elevation at diagnosis with allowance of early weight bearing in the further clinical course, leads to the quickest full resumption of activities in combination with the lowest medical costs, if compared with any other kind of treatment. [source]


"You will only see it, if you understand it" or occupational risk prevention from a management perspective

HUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 4 2008
Paul Swuste
Evidence of a managerial influence on occupational risk prevention is largely lacking. The incidence of major accidents in high-hazard sectors of industry does not show a downward trend. Also, the decline of fatal occupational accidents in industrialized Western countries may well be attributed to the growing employment in the relatively safe service sectors and to a phenomenon known as export of hazards. Looking more closely at accidents and disasters, we now believe they are not only caused by direct physical events, nor by human errors alone. They have their roots in organizational settings and in the sociotechnical system companies are active in. Whatever their cause, we know that (major) accidents almost always take us by surprise. Despite all our efforts and systems, we seem unable to foresee or predict these events. It seems our management systems are looking at the wrong items. Critics from small- and medium-sized enterprises also point in that direction; management systems are too bureaucratic and lack a focus on hazard and risk identification. Apparently, we fail to incorporate the main ingredients of accident causation in our management systems. This article will discuss current models and presentations. In reference to the title of this article, the possibility to integrate these presentations into management systems will be discussed. This article is based on the presentation given at the 4th International Conference on Occupational Risk Prevention, Sevilla, Spain, May 10,12, 2006. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]


Factors influencing implementation of occupational safety and health management systems by enterprises in Poland

HUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 3 2006
Daniel Podgórski
Implementing legal regulations in occupational safety and health (OSH) as well as other actions aimed at improving working conditions in industry in many countries run in parallel with promoting nonobligatory OSH management systems (OSH MS). To define a scientific basis for working out a set of guidelines for promoting OSH MS, a survey was conducted in 40 companies. This research aimed to identify motivational factors for decisions to introduce OSH MS. Four groups of professionals who participated in the decision-making process related to implementing OSH MS were interviewed: (a) the most senior managers of the enterprise, (b) representatives of top management for implementation and maintenance of OSH MS, (c) safety and health managers, and (d) workers' safety representatives. The results indicate the need for: (1) improving the efficiency of programs promoting implementation of OSH MS; (2) considering the role of economic incentives in promoting these systems; (3) developing and promoting training packages related to OSH management, adjusted particularly to the needs of employees and their representatives to increase their involvement in OSH activities; and (4) modifying legal solutions establishing a system of differentiated premium rates for social insurance against occupational accidents and diseases. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 16: 255,267, 2006. [source]


Nonlinear dynamics, complex systems, and occupational accidents

HUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 4 2003
Stephen J. Guastello
This article explains how some concepts of nonlinear dynamics,attractors, bifurcations, catastrophes, chaos, and self-organization,contribute to the explanation of deterministic processes in occupational accidents. Empirical results from factory, transportation, and health care settings are compared. The complex dynamics of chaos and self-organization have recently become more important as work systems themselves have become more complex. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 13: 293,304, 2003. [source]


Evaluation and economic impact analysis of different treatment options for ankle distortions in occupational accidents

JOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 5 2010
Amaryllis Audenaert Grad Eng PhD
Abstract Rationale, aims and objectives, Appropriate use of diagnostic and treatment modalities are essential for rational use of resources. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of diagnostic modalities and different treatment options and their economic impacts following an acute ankle distortion resulting from an occupational accident. We evaluated the type-of-treatment impact on the victims' course of recovery as well as its impact on the associated accident costs. Research was carried out in Belgium. Methods, An ankle distortion victims' database consisting of 200 cases of (Belgian) occupational accidents during the period 2005,2007 was analysed. Results, Patients who were prescribed immobilization or the use of adjuvant support or physical therapy (118 cases) were not employed during a period of 37 days on average, with a mean total cost of 3140.14 Euros caused by the ankle sprain. Patients without any adjuvant therapy (82 cases) were characterized by an unemployment rate of 15 days on average, and a total cost of 1077.86 Euros. Cast immobilization, although its application is not supported by evidence-based literature, was still applied in 36% of the population studied and resulted in the longest average absence of work of 42 days with an obvious significant increase in medical and total costs. Conclusions, Our results show a high rate of inappropriate use of cast immobilizations for ankle distortions. From an economic point of view and for the same clinical endpoint (being full resumption of the occupational activities), simple conventional treatment, consisting of rest, ice, compression and elevation at diagnosis with allowance of early weight bearing in the further clinical course, leads to the quickest full resumption of activities in combination with the lowest medical costs, if compared with any other kind of treatment. [source]


Occupational health crossing borders part 2: Comparison of 18 occupational health systems across the globe

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2010
Katja Radon MSc
Abstract Background Occupational health and safety (OHS) is considered one of the most important factors for a sustainable development; however, it is often considered a luxury by decision-makers. This article compares OHS systems of 18 countries at different stages of development. Methods In an international summer school, structure of the national OHS system, definition of occupational accidents and diseases, procedures for compensation claims, outcome (expressed as incidence of occupational accidents) and training opportunities were presented. Results National OHS systems ranged from non-existent to systems implemented almost 200 years ago. Priorities, incidence of occupational accidents and training opportunities varied. Common problems included the lack of OHS service for small enterprises and in rural areas. Conclusions International training programs like this summer school might enhance the exchange about OHS opportunities around the globe and contribute to improved workers health. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:55,63, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Estimation of health-care costs for work-related injuries in the Mexican Institute of social security

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2009
Fernando Carlos-Rivera MScE
Abstract Background Data on the economic consequences of occupational injuries is scarce in developing countries which prevents the recognition of their economic and social consequences. This study assess the direct heath care costs of work-related accidents in the Mexican Institute of Social Security, the largest health care institution in Latin America, which covered 12,735,856 workers and their families in 2005. Methods We estimated the cost of treatment for 295,594 officially reported occupational injuries nation wide. A group of medical experts devised treatment algorithms to quantify resource utilization for occupational injuries to which unit costs were applied. Total costs were estimated as the product of the cost per illness and the severity weighted incidence of occupational accidents. Results Occupational injury rate was 2.9 per 100 workers. Average medical care cost per case was $2,059 USD. The total cost of the health care of officially recognized injured workers was $753,420,222 USD. If injury rate is corrected for underreporting, the cost for formal injured workers is 791,216,460. If the same costs are applied for informal workers, approximately half of the working population in Mexico, the cost of healthcare for occupational injuries is about 1% of the gross domestic product. Conclusions Health care costs of occupational accidents are similar to the economic direct expenditures to compensate death and disability in the social security system in Mexico. However, indirect costs might be as important as direct costs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:195,201, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]