Assessment of occupational eye injury risk and severity: an analysis of Rhode Island workers' compensation data 1998-2002.
BACKGROUND
Occupational eye injuries have been recognized as a serious health risk to workers and are in need of further investigation to develop effective interventions.


METHODS
Rhode Island workers' compensation claims of ocular injury between 1998 through 2002 (n=8,877) were examined. The Current Population Survey was used to estimate occupational employment levels as a baseline for rate calculations.


RESULTS
The estimated ocular injury claim rate was 32.9 per 10,000 workers (95% CI=32.3-33.6), with the cost of claims totaling $1,514,666 and averaging $171 per claim. The highest estimated claim rate of all occupations was found for construction laborers of 373.7 per 10,000 workers (95% CI=267.1-480.3). Relative to the durable manufacturing industry, the highest risk of injury resulting in disability indemnification was the wholesale trade industry (OR=2.18, 95% CI=1.19-4.01, P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Many of the eye injuries reported were likely preventable. Greater diligence, training, and safety precautions are needed to reduce the risk of eye injury to employees.
McCall
Brian P
BP
University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management, Industrial Relations Center, Minnesota, USA.
Horwitz
Irwin B
IB
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000191:economics; D000328:Adult; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000145:classification* / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012237:Rhode Island / Q000453:epidemiology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013997:Time Factors; D014942:Workers' Compensation / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data