Citation

Durić P, Diaconu K, O'May F, Rybovic J, Stevenson M. Int. J. Inj. Control Safe. Promot. 2018; 25(4): 378-386.

Affiliation

Melbourne School of Population and Global Health/Melbourne School of Design , The University of Melbourne , Melbourne , Victoria , Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/17457300.2018.1431944

PMID

29463184

Abstract

Work-related injuries occurring during informal work often go unreported, yet lead to significant mortality and contribute substantially to disease burden due to injury-related disability. In Serbia, injury is a leading cause of death, with work-related injuries comprising a significant proportion. This study explored the frequency of and risk factors for these injuries in a rural Serbian community. During the 12-month study period, physicians from a municipal Primary Care Centre reported all presenting injuries using a specific injury report form. One in four injuries reported occurred during informal work practices, accounting for 71% of all reported work-related injuries. These occurred within the household in 85% of cases, and were more severe in males (79%). Regarding work-related injuries, informal workers were significantly older than formally employed workers, regardless of sex. Public policy should address safety improvements for informal workers, via provision of relevant training and protective equipment.

Language: en

Keywords

Work-related injuries; accident prevention; informal employment; injury-related disability; public health policy