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Work-related injuries and workers compensation among construction workers, a longitudinal study
This study followed a cohort of construction workers in the US from 1988 to 2000, and examined their work-related injuries, workers compensation and other consequences of work-related injuries.
Methods
Data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1979 cohort were used. Construction workers (n=2,034) were defined as those who were employed in construction at least one wave between 1988 and 2000. Work-related injuries and workers compensation claims were self-reported. The consequences of work-related injuries, such as lost wages, working less than full-time, being laid-off or fired, and others were also considered.
Results
About 11% of the construction cohort experienced work-related injuries annually, dropping from 14% in 1988 to 9% in 2000. Among those who suffered work-related injuries, 52% applied for workers compensation, but only 29% received such compensation, and 7% reported their application was still pending when they were asked. Construction workers who were union members were more likely to apply for workers compensation after injuries than their nonunion counterparts (76% vs. 47%). Overall, 40% of injured workers lost wages. In addition, about 27% of construction workers were unable to perform normal duties after injury; 20% worked less than full-time; 7% were assigned to another job; 7% changed occupations; 5% quit; and 2% were fired.
Conclusions
The findings shed light on work-related injuries and the consequences among construction workers. The study confirms previous findings that many injured workers cannot receive workers compensation benefits they deserve. Improvements to the workers compensation system are needed to better protect workers.
Learning Areas:
EpidemiologyOccupational health and safety
Public health or related research
Learning Objectives:
Evaluate work-related injuries, workers compensation and other consequences of work-related injuries among a cohort of construction workers in the US from 1988 to 2000, using longitudinal data from the NLSY79.
Keyword(s): Surveillance, Occupational Health and Safety
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Dr. Dong has been conducting research on construction safety and health for nearly 20 years. She has extensive knowledge, skills, and experience in research design and statistical analyses using a multitude of large-scale national datasets. Currently, she is the PI on a NIOSH Grant for three separate projects.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.