ADOLESCENT OCCUPATIONAL INJURIES - TEXAS, 1990-1996

Background A comprehensive surveillance system for occupational injuri es to adolescents does not exist in Texas, as in most states. Therefor e, the magnitude, severity, nature, and source of injuries to working adolescents have not been well described in Texas. Methods The investi gators used three data sources to investigate work-related injuries an d deaths in Texas: (1) Texas Workers' Compensation Commission (TWCC) c laims data from 1991 through April 1996; (2) 1993 TWCC/Bureau of labor Statistics (BLS) Annual Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses ; and (3) work-related fatalities identified from Texas death certific ates from 1990-1995. Results There were 9,027 injuries reported to the TWCC for adolescents 14-17 years of age during slightly more than 5 y ears. Injuries for which indemnity payments were made (more than 7 day s out of work) occurred among 21.7% of the adolescents. Based on BLS d ata in 1993, of 992 non-fatal injuries involving days away from work, 35% were caused by contact with objects, 27% by bodily reaction, and 2 4% by falls. Two-thirds of these injuries occurred while working in ea ting and drinking places and grocery stores. Three-quarters of the 30 deaths from 1990-1995 were accounted for equally by motor vehicle and homicide. Conclusions In conclusion, a substantial number of adolescen ts are injured or killed in the workplace each year in Texas. Although improved population-based surveillance is needed, sufficient knowledg e exists to begin prevention efforts now. Am. J. Ind. Med. 35:43-50, 1 999. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.