Direct impact of non-fatal occupational injuries

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to describe the pattern of certain direct impacts of non-fatal injuries among workers insured by the General Organization of Social Insurance, admitted to hospitals in Al-Khobar City, and to determine factors influencing these direct impacts.

METHODS: This cohort study consisted of 65, 915 insured male workers in various industries, followed to determine those who were admitted to 2 private hospitals selected randomly in Al-Khobar City. A data-collection sheet was used to collect the necessary data from patients and their medical records on admission to the hospital.

RESULTS: The majority of admissions (78%) were for periods of less than a week. Absence from work was longer than 3 weeks in 35.5% and shorter than 1 week in 25% of admissions. The majority of the cases (65%) visited clinics from 2 to 7 times. Direct medical cost per admission was less than SR2,000 in 64% of the cases in one of the hospitals (one United States dollar = 3.75 Saudi Riyals). Multiple linear regression analysis for period of absence from work, length of hospitalization, and number of clinic visits showed these direct impact variables to be inter-related. Injury outside the work place (road traffic accidents), and the hospital which the injured worker was referred to, were the other main risk factors determining the direct impact of the injury. Multiple linear regression for direct medical cost was positively associated and predicted by the younger age of the worker.

CONCLUSION: The direct impact of occupational injuries in this study, though less than the same reported from Western countries, were responsible for significant medical charges, human suffering and loss of productivity. Efforts made by different industries to prevent occupational injuries should be encouraged and continued, and the General Organization of Social Insurance may monitor their success by conducting similar studies.