5207.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 2:30 PM

Abstract #12241

The Union Role in Reporting of Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders (UEMSD) to Workers' Compensation

Tim F Morse, PhD, Nick Warren, ScD, and Andrew Warren. ErgoCenter & Occupational & Environmental Health, University of COnnecticut Health Center, MC 6210, Farmington, CT 06030-6210, 860-679-4720, tmorse@nso.uchc.edu

The results of a population-based telephone survey (the Connecticut Upper-Extremity Surveillance Project , or CUSP) of 3,600 workers with self-reported UEMSD are reported in relation to the role of union membership. Union members were 4.1 times more likely (95% CI 2.82-6.21) to file a claim for their work-related condition than non-union workers. Union membership was also significantly correlated with having a doctor-diagnosed condition, seriousness of the condition, whether management cares, industry, and occupation. This study attempts to distinguish these factors in relation to the various roles that unions can play such as job security, informing workers about their rights, prevention of UEMSD, and protecting workers from reprisal.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the session the participant will be able to: Describe the role that unions play in UEMSD Evaluate the impact that unions have in the reporting of UEMSD to workers compensation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA