title: Economic consequences of workplace injuries in the United States: Findings from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY79).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study explored economic consequences of work-related injuries using a longitudinal data source.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1979 cohort (n = 12,686). Short-term consequences were measured when the injury was reported. "Difference-in-differences" approach was applied to estimate income and wealth disparities between injured and non-injured workers before and after injury. Fixed effects models were used to identify variations over time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The annual earnings growth was $3,715 (in 2000 dollars) less for workers with DAFW injury and $1,152 less for workers with NDAFW injury compared to non-injured workers during a 10-year follow-up. Lost wages and disability following injury contributed to income loss for injured workers, but the loss was moderated by union membership. After controlling for confounders, income disparities persisted, but family wealth differences did not.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Occupational injuries exacerbate income inequality. Efforts to reduce such disparities should include workplace safety and health enforcement.
authors.affiliation: CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training, Data Center, Silver Spring, Maryland.
authors.forename: Xiuwen Sue
authors.initials: XS
authors.lastname: Dong
authors.affiliation: CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training, Data Center, Silver Spring, Maryland.
authors.forename: Xuanwen
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training, Data Center, Silver Spring, Maryland.
authors.forename: Julie A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Largay
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Science, Georgetown University School of Nursing and Health Studies, Washington, DC.
authors.forename: Rosemary
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sokas
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D015233:Models, Statistical; D060051:Occupational Injuries / Q000191:economics*; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014942:Workers' Compensation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017132:Workplace / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: construction industry; family net worth; longitudinal study; occupational injury; wage; wage-and-salary income; wealth; work-related injury; workers' compensation