Citation

Parish M, Rohlman DS, Elliot DL, Lasarev M. Occup. Med. 2015; 66(2): 164-167.

Affiliation

Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/occmed/kqv183

PMID

26552412

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Younger workers are more likely to be injured on the job than older workers. Investigation tends to focus on work-related explanatory factors but often neglects non-work-related causes. AIMS: To identify both work- and non-work-related factors that contribute to younger workers' injuries in seasonal work.

METHODS: Two surveys of a set of seasonal parks and recreation workers were conducted measuring health and safety behaviours and self-reported injuries.

RESULTS: Seventy per cent reported an injury at work over the summer. Among young workers, each additional year of age was associated with an almost 50% increase in injury rate (P < 0.05). Odds of injury in women were three times those for men (P < 0.05). We observed a linear relationship between average hours worked per week and injuries (P < 0.001). Alcohol abuse (P < 0.05) was also associated with injuries.

CONCLUSIONS: Higher injury rates among younger workers in this sample is multifactorial and encompasses both work and non-work factors and suggest that more global approaches are required to address young worker safety.

Language: en