engleski

Work-related injuries in wood processing industry in Croatia

AIM. An analysis of work-related injuries and absenteeism was carried out in a wood processing industry from 1994 to 1997. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for unintentional injuries among sawmill workers, to target high-risk worksites and to recommend the safety measures. METHODS. Data source were the employer´s accident report, medical examiners’ report and the employees’ medical files. Officially notified injuries serious enough to require professional medical attention and to keep employees away from their work at least 4 days were utilized in this study. RESULTS. During three-year period there were 79 injuries and 6816 working days lost in 426 sawmill workers. Incidence rate per thousand employees was 58, 48, 80, respectively and average number of days lost per accident was 16 days.The majority of injuries were minor (81%) and only 5% resulted in hospitalisation. Most frequently get injured power saw operators, skilled and semiskilled workes, having between 15 and 20 years of work experience. About 34% of the accidents were caused by handling and falling objects, 45% resulted from power tools use and 8% from falls. Power saw is the source of 24% of all injuries. Crushing injuries and lacerations were most common types of injuries and the extremities were the most common body region affected. Injury to lower limbs constituted 26% and that of upper limbs 48% of all injuries. The number of injuries at work as well as the number of lost working days were highly influenced by the low socio-economic position of workers connected with lack of concentration, time pressure and general fatigue. CONCLUSION. About one in 12 workers employed in wood processing industry will attend casualty in the course of a year for a work-related injury. Therefore, there is a clear need for improved and increased use of personal protection equipment and for serious training programme covering safety.

sawmill workers; injury rate; working days lost; safety measures

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