Disabling injuries to childcare workers in Minnesota, 1985 to 1990. An analysis of potential risk factors.
Injuries to clients in childcare centers have been studied to some degree, but the problem of worker injuries in childcare centers has remained unexplored. To investigate this problem, data were accessed from two sources for the years 1985 to 1990: 1) Minnesota Department of Jobs and Training for data pertinent to the populations of childcare center workers for each year of the study, and the 2) Minnesota Department of Labor for all case files relevant to reported injuries incurred by childcare center workers for each year of the study. Data analyses were conducted of all injuries as well as a subanalysis of back injuries incurred by female workers. The overall injury rate for the 6-year period was 1.08 per 100 workers. Of the 440 childcare worker injury cases, a mean age of 32 years (range, 17 to 72 years) was identified; 50% of all cases were below the age of 29 years. Analysis by subclassifications of childcare workers indicated that cooks had the highest injury rate (3.61 per 100 workers) and the greatest mean number of weeks of temporary total disability (13.2 weeks). According to anatomic site, injuries involving the back accounted for the greatest proportion of the total injuries (34.1%); 49% involved lifting a child. To protect childcare workers adequately, additional policies and regulations will be required, as well as further study in this area. Emphasis in the area of back injury is clearly needed, including education on proper lifting techniques and relevant application of engineering technology.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Brown
M Z
MZ
Division of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455.
Gerberich
S G
SG
D000041:Absenteeism; D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019567:Back Injuries; D002656:Child Day Care Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008910:Minnesota / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D016474:Weight-Bearing; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control