WORK-RELATED INJURIES TO MASSACHUSETTS TEENS, 1987-1990

This study uses workers' compensation data to describe the work-relate d injury experience of Massachusetts teens, ages 14-17, from 1987 to 1 990. During this period, 2,551 injuries were reported to the workers' compensation system. Injuries were more frequent among 16-17 year-olds and among males. Sprains and strains, followed by lacerations were th e most frequent type of injury. Four industries-grocery stores, restau rants, health services, and department stores-accounted for over half of all injuries. The overall injury rate was 1.9/100 full-time equival ents (FTEs), but was higher in the construction, manufacturing, and wh olesale trade sectors. Teens working in apparel manufacturing and nurs ing homes sustained the highest rate of injuries. Geographical analysi s indicated that teens living in the southeast region of the slate had the highest injury rates. This study adds to the existing evidence th at work-related injuries to teens are a substantial public health prob lem. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.