Reduction of Occupational Injury Deaths in Rural Colorado

摘要

The report examined the circumstances of injury for nontransportationunintentional occupational injury deaths occurring in rural Colorado for 1982 through 1990. Injury severity and effectiveness of trauma care were discussed. In order to obtain a comprehensive picture of injuries in the region it was necessary to use multiple sources. Death certificates, and the Workers' Compensation data system identified all but eight of 1037 cases. Four industries accounted for the majority of the injuries: transportation, mining, construction, and agriculture. Firm size continued to be an important independent factor for mortality, with the rate in large firms being particularly low. A dramatic reduction in overall rate was noted during the period from 1982 to 1990. The causes of fatal occupational injuries were identifiable and clearly preventable. The author recommends the establishment of a statewide occupational injury and fatality intervention program, the communication of the active case investigation findings to the OSHA consultation programs, and the extension of intervention efforts to serious nonfatal occupational injuries.