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Work injuries

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By Kathryn Wilkins and Susan G. Mackenzie

Abstract
Authors
Keywords
Findings
Methods
Definitions
Geographical differences

Limitations
References

Abstract

Objectives

This article compares work injury occurrence by occupational category, and examines its relationship with selected factors reflecting work organization and environment.  Associations between work injury and socio-demographic and other health-related variables are also considered.

Data sources

Data are from the 2003 Canadian Community Health Survey (cycle 2.1).

Analytical techniques

Cross-sectional estimates of the proportion of workers injured on the job were calculated by occupational category, and by selected work-related, personal and socio-demographic characteristics.  Multivariate analyses were used to study associations between work injury and job-related factors, while controlling for other influences.

Main results

In 2003, an estimated 630,000 Canadian workers experienced at least one activity-limiting occupational injury.  Of people in trades, transport and equipment operation, 9% sustained an on-the-job injury, compared with 2% of workers in the "white-collar" sector. Work injury was more common in male (5%) than in female workers (2%).  In multivariate analysis, some work-related variables were related to occupational injury for both sexes:  employment in trades, transport and equipment operation; primary industries; and processing, manufacturing and utilities; shift work; and heavy labour.  Income under $60,000 and working long hours were associated with injury in men, but not in women.  Women reporting their jobs as stressful had higher odds of injury; in men, no association with work stress emerged.

Authors

  • Kathryn Wilkins, Health Statistics Division
    Statistics Canada
    Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0T6
    Telephone: (613) 951-1769
    Email: Kathryn.Wilkins@statcan.ca

  • Susan G. Mackenzie, Health Surveillance and Epidemiology Division
    Public Health Agency of Canada
    Telephone: (613) 957-4703
    Email: Susan_Mackenzie@phac-aspc.gc.ca

Keywords

  • occupational health
  • health surveys
  • workplace
  • sprains and strains
  • hand injuries

Findings

In the years 2002 to 2004, acute injuries occurring on the job resulted in an average of 465 deaths annually, and close to 300,000 compensated time-loss claims.  The consequences of occupational injuries can be appreciable:  lost work time and income, medical expenses, compensation costs, possible long-term health problems or disability, and a burden on the family of the injured worker.  [Full text]

Methods

Data source

The analysis was based on cycle 2.1 of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), which was conducted from January to December 2003.  The CCHS is a general health survey that collects cross-sectional information about the health of Canadians every two years. [Full text]

Definitions

The Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) contains detailed information about a single injury event for each respondent who reported having sustained at least one activity-limiting injury during the year before the interview.  [Full text]

Limitations

Although the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) asked respondents how many activity-limiting injuries they had sustained during the past year, they were asked to provide details only about "the most serious injury."  As a result, estimates related to injury severity are somewhat exaggerated, and not representative of all injuries that occurred.  [Full text]

Geographic differences

With a few exceptions, the rate of occupational injury generally did not vary across the provinces and territories. [Full text]

References

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