Occupational injury mortality rates in the United States: changes from 1980 to 1989.

Abstract

Changes in occupational injury mortality rates over the 1980s were examined through analysis of the National Traumatic Occupational Fatalities surveillance system. The US occupational injury mortality rate decreased 37% over the decade, with decreases seen in nearly every demographic and employment sector. Greater declines were among men, Blacks, and younger workers, as well as among agricultural, trade, and service workers. Electrocutions, machine-related incidents, and homicides showed the greatest decreases. Changes in occupational mortality rates by demography, industry, and cause of death indicate the areas in which the most progress has been made and those that are prime targets for prevention efforts.

Work-related death: a continuing epidemic

“…15 Males, Blacks, and older workers were found to have consistently higher death rates than others. Bailer et al, who analyzed NTOF data for the years 1983 through 1992 and adjusted for effects of worker demographics, also found the fatal injury rate for males to be greater than that for females (7.91 vs 0.61 per 100 000).…”

“…15,16 Risk has also been found to be much higher for older workers. 17 Some data suggest that African American and Latino workers are at increased risk for fatal occupational injuries.…”

“…Eighty-two percent of occupational homicides, compared with 13% of homicides in the general population, occur in connection with robberies or other crimes. 15 Prevention efforts for retail facilities could include enhanced security measures, such as limiting cash available during the night, installing bullet-proof enclosures, and using security guards and cameras. 30 Enforcement of existing health and safety laws is a critical component of enhanced prevention of deaths due to occupational injuries and illnesses.…”

Fatal Occupational Injuries in Yugoslavia: 1990 to 1999

“…Results showed that machine-related death was the second leading cause of death, both in all industry and agriculture/forestry/fishing. The highest industry-specific rate of machinery-related occupational fatalities in the U.S. was noted in agriculture/forestery/fishing [11][12][13] . Besides motor vehicles, a wide variety of machinery is used in agriculture (tractors, corn pickers, hay balers etc.).…”

“…Construction workers risk fatal falls while working from heights (falls from buildings, roofs, ladders or scaffoldings. Falling was the most prevalent cause of death in construction in the U.S. 8,12,15) , as well as in Australia 15) and China 6,16) . This was followed by motor vehicle-related deaths in the U.S. and Australia 15) .…”