AI Article Synopsis
- Alaska's seafood processing industry is crucial for the economy but poses significant hazards, with a high rate of nonfatal injuries by workers.
- Between 2014 and 2015, 2,889 workers' compensation claims were reported, showing an annual claim rate of 63 per 1000 workers, which is notably higher than the state's overall average of 44 per 1000 workers.
- The most common injuries were sprains/strains (36%) and incidents often involved overexertion and contact with equipment, highlighting the need for improved ergonomic and safety measures to protect workers.
Article Abstract
Background: Alaska's onshore seafood processing industry is economically vital and hazardous.
Methods: Accepted Alaska workers' compensation claims data from 2014 to 2015 were manually reviewed and coded with the Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System and associated work activity. Workforce data were utilized to calculate rates.
Results: 2,889 claims of nonfatal injuries/illnesses were accepted for compensation. The average annual claim rate was 63 per 1000 workers. This was significantly higher than Alaska's all-industry rate of 44 claims per 1000 workers (RR = 1.42, 95%CI = 1.37-1.48). The most frequently occurring injuries/illnesses, were by nature, sprains/strains/tears (n = 993, 36%); by body part, upper limbs (1212, 43%); and by event, contact with objects/equipment (1020, 37%) and overexertion/bodily reaction (933, 34%). Incidents associated with seafood processing/canning/freezing (n = 818) frequently involved: repetitive motion; overexertion while handling pans, fish, and buckets; and contact with fish, pans, and machinery.
Conclusions: Ergonomic and safety solutions should be implemented to prevent musculoskeletal injuries/illnesses in seafood processing.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6417873 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ajim.22953 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!