Title | Analysis of workers' compensation disabling claims in Oregon's seafood preparation and packaging industry, 2007-2013. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2017 |
Authors | Syron, LN, Kincl, L, Yang, L, Cain, DT, Smit, E |
Journal | Am J Ind Med |
Volume | 60 |
Issue | 5 |
Pagination | 484-493 |
Date Published | 2017 May |
ISSN | 1097-0274 |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: Few occupational health and safety studies have focused on the US seafood preparation and packaging industry, and none on Oregon's seafood industry. METHODS: Oregon workers' compensation (WC) disabling claims data were analyzed. Oregon Employment Department and US Census Bureau data were used as denominators for rates. RESULTS: During 2007-2013, there were 188 accepted disabling claims, with an average annual rate of 24 claims per 1000 workers. Men experienced a significantly higher rate (27.6 per 1000) than women. The most frequent incident characteristics and circumstances were: by nature-traumatic injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints (42%); by body part-upper extremities (44%); and by event-overexertion and bodily reaction (48%), and contact with objects and equipment (31%). CONCLUSION: Analyzing WC disabling claims data provides important preliminary information for understanding workplace hazards to develop control strategies. Reducing traumatic and cumulative injury risk among seafood workers is paramount. |
DOI | 10.1002/ajim.22706 |
Alternate Journal | Am. J. Ind. Med. |
PubMed ID | 28262964 |