Citation

Mujuru P, Singla L, Helmkamp JC, Bell J, Hu W. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2006; 49(12): 1039-1045.

Affiliation

Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health, West Virginia University, West Virginia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/ajim.20389

PMID

17096361

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The risks associated with logging are well documented, however little work has been done on estimating the economic impact of injuries among loggers. METHODS: West Virginia Workers' Compensation claims data for the period 1996-2001 was used to assess the economic burden of logging injuries in the state. RESULTS: There were 1,371 claimants during this period with the highest number of claims (39%) in the 25-34 years age category. The total cost of injuries was over $14 million. The most severe injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), thoracic, cervical, and lumbar, resulted in the highest medical costs, indemnity costs and permanent disability. The average medical cost for logging-related to TBI was $198,048 compared to $15,321 for other major industries. CONCLUSIONS: The magnitude of the economic costs underscores the need for active research of injury prevention among loggers and for greater attention to occupational safety and health programs.

Language: en