[Occupational injuries in Oslo: a study of occupational injuries treated by the Oslo Emergency Ward and Oslo Ambulance Service].
BACKGROUND
There is little reliable information about the incidence and severity of occupational injuries in Norway.


METHODS
Occupational injuries occurring at worksites in Oslo and treated by Oslo Emergency Ward or Oslo Ambulance Service were recorded over a period of three months. Patients with serious injuries were interviewed about the accident.


RESULTS
1153 injury incidents were registered, 229 (20%) of which were considered serious. Median age of patients was 32 years. Estimated annual incidence of injuries at worksites in Oslo treated by Oslo Emergency Ward/Oslo Ambulance Service was 14 per 1000 employees, for all injuries in Oslo requiring treatment, 20 per 1000 employees. Men had three times the incidence of women. The incidence was highest in the youngest age groups. Of those with serious injuries, 30% had a non-Scandinavian language as their first language. Electricians, carpenters and police officers had the highest observed incidences. 87 injuries (8%) were caused by violence.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of occupational injuries in Oslo is reduced by about 40% since the 1970s. There is, however, no reduction for women. Construction workers are still at high risk. Workers of non-Scandinavian origin are also at high risk, probably because of selection into high-risk occupations. The injury register provides a good overview, but in-depth studies are needed to identify specific risk factors.
Gravseth
Hans Magne
HM
Legevakten i Oslo, Storgaten 40, 0182 Oslo. hansmagne.gravseth@ulleval.no
Lund
Johan
J
Wergeland
Ebba
E
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012042:Registries; D012737:Sex Factors; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy