Citation

Berecki-Gisolf J, Tawatsupa B, McClure RJ, Seubsman SA, Sleigh A. BMJ Open 2013; 3(7): 2013-003079.

Affiliation

Monash Injury Research Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003079

PMID

23869104

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To explore individual determinants of workplace injury among Thai workers. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of a large national cohort. SETTING: Thailand. PARTICIPANTS: Thai Cohort Study participants who responded to the 2009 follow-up survey were included if they reported doing paid work or being self-employed (n=51 751). OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported injury incidence over the past 12 months was calculated. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to test associations between individual determinants and self-reported workplace injury. RESULTS: Workplace injuries were reported by 1317 study participants (2.5%); the incidence was 34 (95% CI 32 to 36)/1000 worker-years for men, and 18 (17-20) for women. Among men working ≥41 h and earning <10 000 Baht, the injury rate was four times higher compared with men working <11 h and earning ≥20 001 Baht; differences in injury rates were less pronounced in women. Multivariate modelling showed that working ≥49 h/week (23%) and working for ≤10 000 Bath/month (37%) were associated with workplace injury. The increase in injury risk with increased working hours did not exceed the risk expected from increased exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Reductions in occupational injury rates could be achieved by limiting working hours to 48/week. Particularly for Thai low wage earners and those with longer workdays, there is a need for effective injury preventive programmes.

Language: en