Citation

Kucera KL, Roos KG, Hootman JM, Lipscomb HJ, Dement JM, Silverstein BA. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2016; 59(12): 1156-1168.

Affiliation

Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program, State of Washington Department of Labor & Industries, Olympia, Washington.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/ajim.22648

PMID

27779316

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the work-related injury and illnesses experienced by certified athletic trainers (AT).

METHODS: The incidence and characteristics of injury/illness claims filed in two workers' compensation systems were described from 2001 to 2011. Yearly populations at risk were estimated from National Athletic Trainers' Association membership statistics. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) were reported by job setting.

RESULTS: Claims were predominantly for traumatic injuries and disorders (82.7%: 45.7% sprains/strains, 12.0% open wounds, 6.5% bruises) and at these body sites (back 17.2%, fingers 12.3%, and knee 9.6%) and over half were caused by body motion and overexertion (51.5%). Compared with school settings, clinic/hospital settings had modestly higher claim rates (IRR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.06-1.52) while other settings (e.g., professional or youth sport, nursing home) had lower claim rates (IRR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.44-0.70).

CONCLUSIONS: These first known estimates of work-related injuries/illnesses among a growing healthcare profession help identify occupational tasks and settings imposing injury risk for ATs. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Language: en