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Differential underestimation of work-related reinjury risk for older workers: Challenges to producing accurate rate estimates
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8 2022
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Source: Am J Ind Med. 65(8):627-643
[PDF-175.50 KB]
Details:
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Alternative Title:Am J Ind Med
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Personal Author:
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Description:Background:
Older workers are increasingly represented in the U.S. workforce, but frequently work part-time/intermittently, hindering accurate injury rate estimates. To reduce the impact of reporting barriers on rate comparisons, we focused on reinjury (both injury recurrence and new injury) among workers with a workers’ compensation claim, assessing: (1) reinjury risk for workers age 65+ vs. <65; (2) importance of work-time at-risk measurement for rate estimates and comparisons; and (3) age distribution of potential risk factors.
Methods:
Washington State workers’ compensation claims for a retrospective cohort of workers with work-related permanent impairments were linked to state wage files. Reinjury rates were calculated for the cohort (N=11,184) and a survey sample (N=582), using both calendar time and full-time equivalent (FTE)-adjusted time. Risk differentials were assessed using rate ratios and adjusted survival models.
Results:
The rate ratio for workers age 65+ (vs. <65) was 0.45 (p<0.001) using calendar time, but 0.70 (p=0.07) using FTE-adjusted time. Survey-based rates were 35.7 per 100 worker-years for workers age 65+, vs. 14.8 for <65. Workers age 65+ (vs. <65) were more likely to work <100% FTE, but were similar regarding job strain, ability to handle physical job demands, and comfort reporting unsafe conditions or injuries.
Conclusions:
Accounting for work-time at risk substantially improves age-based reinjury comparisons. Although the marked elevation in self-reported reinjury risk for older workers might be a small-sample artifact (n=34), workers age 65+ are likely at higher risk than previously appreciated. Ongoing workforce trends demand increased attention to injury surveillance and prevention for older workers.
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Source:
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Pubmed ID:35665525
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Pubmed Central ID:PMC9354702
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Funding:
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Volume:65
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Issue:8
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