[Occupational injuries among construction workers in Hong Kong].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the nature and severity of occupational injuries among construction workers and its risk factors in Hong Kong.


METHODS
One hundred and twenty-two injured construction workers in a public hospital and an equal number of workmate controls were studied. Contents included socio -demographic characteristics, the availability and use of safety equipment, smoking and alcohol consumption, etc. Abbreviated injury scale (AIS) and injury severity score (ISS) were employed for describing the nature, pattern and severity of injuries.


RESULTS
Single injuries were seen in 80% of cases. Of 149 injuries classified by body region, 49% were external, 26% involved either the upper or lower extremities, and 11% were spinal injuries. Working at height was associated with the injury severity score. Safety hazards were identified in the work environment in 68% of the cases. Significant odds ratios for accidents were obtained for 'no formal education', 'non safety training' and 'current smokers'.


CONCLUSIONS
The results implicated that construction was a hazardous occupation in Hong Kong. Improving the work environment and promoting safety education among construction workers would be helpful for minimizing or eliminating occupational injuries in construction occupation in Hong Kong.
Huang
Zihui
Z
Department of Community and Family Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Chen
Weiqing
W
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005121:Extremities / Q000293:injuries; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000473:pathology