CONCEPTUAL AND DEFINITIONAL ISSUES IN OCCUPATIONAL INJURY EPIDEMIOLOGY

This paper presents several models that further define the concept of occupational injury. While traditional models have proved successful i n isolating specific reseal ch questions and health phenomena, the con ceptual model presented permits a broader view of all injury morbidity . This model is based on both the level and frequency of energy transf ers. A process model of occupational injury is also presented ro descr ibe the basic pathophysiological relationships associated with tissue effects/damage and recovery/repair. Numerous tradeoffs exist in variab le selection, and a third model explores some of these tradeoffs. Diff erences in terminology and fundamental principles call limit the progr ess of occupational injury research. Accordingly, an argument is made for consolidation and consensus of terms. Finally, considerations for research are suggested, with an emphasis on the severity of the injury , the risk ratio, and the population at risk. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc .