Sociodemographic Correlates of Workplace Eye Injuries

OBJECTIVE: Evidence suggests that some groups are at a greater risk of work-related eye injuries given the increased occupational exposure to hazards leading to ocular injuries. Despite health and safety requirements, eye injuries continue to occur in the workplace. Identification of socio-demographic correlates of workplace eye injuries using a population-based sample with state level specific estimates may inform the practice of eye injury prevention in the workplace.

METHODS: Using the 2005-2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a nationwide state-based telephone survey, we analyzed data on 47,294 participants for socio-demographic correlates (age, gender, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, marital status, body mass index, health insurance status and visual impairment) of work-related eye injuries.

RESULTS: The highest lifetime prevalence of workplace eye injury occurred in: males (14.1% ± 0.4), other non-Hispanic races (11.1% ± 1.4), married/living with a partner (8.5% ± 0.3), High school diploma (10.3% ± 0.5), obese (9.3% ± 0.5), without eye care insurance (8.4% ± 0.3), without health insurance (11.5% ± 0.9), and no visual impairment (8.0% ± 0.2). State-level estimates of lifetime workplace eye injury were highest in Ohio (9.4% ± 0.6) and Iowa (9.0% ± 0.7), and lowest in Louisiana (6.6% ± 0.8) and Tennessee (6.9%±0.5). In a multivariable logistic regression model, males (6.76;[5.82-7.86]) and adults who are widowed, divorced or separated (1.21;[1.05-1.39]) were significantly more likely to report ever incurring a workplace eye injury.

CONCLUSIONS: Targeted interventions in high risk worker groups (such as men) may assist in the prevention of workplace ocular injuries.