A model for occupational injury surveillance by occupational health centers.
Injuries account for more than 90% of the reported work-related health problems in the United States. However, a complete and standardized reporting system for occupational injuries does not exist in this country. This paper describes the first year's experience of a clinic-based occupational injury surveillance system involving occupational medicine clinics. During 1988, health and hazard information was collected on 14,156 work-related admissions. An analysis of these cases showed that most patients received care for minor trauma, with 78.4% of the cases classified as cuts or lacerations, sprains or strains, or contusions. Overall, 53.8% of the cases were caused by metal items, boxes, machines, or working surfaces. These preliminary results support the feasibility of conducting clinic-based occupational injury surveillance as a means of assisting employers with the control of work-related conditions.
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Occupational Health Centers, Chicago, Ill.
R D
RD
Brewer
D M
DM
Oleske
J
J
Hahn
M
M
Leibold
D000328:Adult; D002641:Chicago; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control