Work related spinal cord injury, Australia 1986–97

Injury Prevention, 2001 · DOI: · Published: January 1, 2001

Spinal Cord Injury Occupational Health Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study examines spinal cord injuries (SCI) that occurred in the workplace in Australia between 1986 and 1997. The research uses data from the Australian Spinal Cord Injury Register to analyze the causes and incidence of these injuries. The study highlights the importance of primary prevention, given the lack of a cure for SCI and the limited improvement in impairment even after rehabilitation.

Study Duration

1986-1997 (11 years)

Participants

369 cases of work-related SCI aged 15-64 years

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Work-related SCI accounted for approximately 12% of all traumatic SCI cases in Australia during the study period.
2
The labor force based incidence rate averaged four cases per million population per year, with the highest rate among those aged 25–34 years and farmers.
3
Falls were the most common cause of work-related SCI, followed by motor vehicle crashes, particularly vehicle rollovers.

Research Summary

This study provides a national population based epidemiological analysis of work related spinal cord injury (SCI) in Australia from 1986 to 1997. The study found that work related SCI accounted for about 12% of all traumatic cases of SCI, with an average labour force based incidence rate of four cases per million. The most common causes of injury were falls and motor vehicle crashes, and a high proportion of cases did not receive compensation.

Practical Implications

Emphasis on Primary Prevention

Given the severity and lack of cure for SCI, greater emphasis should be placed on primary prevention measures in the workplace.

Improved Insurance Coverage

Ensure all workers are adequately covered by insurance to mitigate the financial burden of SCI, as a significant proportion currently do not receive compensation.

Targeted Prevention Strategies

Implement targeted prevention strategies for high-risk groups such as farmers, focusing on fall prevention and vehicle safety.

Study Limitations

1
Changes in occupation classification during the study period limited detailed analysis by occupation category.
2
Data on the activity engaged in at the time of injury was reliably reported only for cases incident from 1992 onwards.
3
The reasons why a high proportion of cases do not receive compensation has not been studied before and this warrants attention.

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