Predictors of first nonfatal occupational injury following employment in aBrazilian steelworks

Objectives This study investigated the influence of sociodemographic and oc cupational factors on the risk of Ist injury among Brazilian steelworkers. Methods Workers Ist employed between 1 January 1977 and 31 December 1985 an d still employed on 1 December 1983 were followed from the date of hire unt il 30 October 1992. Occupational injuries were ascertained from a database. Kaplan-Meier curves for time to Ist injury were calculated for the total c ohort and for different subgroups. A multivariate analysis of risk factors for Ist injury was carried out using the Cox proportional hazards regressio n model. Results Forty-one percent of the workers had greater than or equal to1 occu pational injuries, and 39% of Ist injuries occurred in the Ist year of empl oyment. Lacerations, contusions, penetration by foreign bodies, bums, sprai ns, and fractures constituted the main diagnostic groups. Injuries to the h ands, eyes, feet, arms, and legs dominated. Over 5% of the injured workers were on temporary disability leave (cumulative total 10 660 days). The prob ability for an occupational injury was 16% for the Ist year, rising to 25% in the 2nd year. The risk of nonfatal injury was highest for laborers [haza rd ratio (HR) 1.76, 95% confidence interval (95% CT) 1.35-2.29] and employe es in the steel mill (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.21-1.63), and inversely related to worker age and educational level. The risk of injury decreased significantl y with calendar period of employment. Conclusions Substantial reductions in nonfatal injuries may reflect changes in work organization, increased automation, and improved safety standards. Knowledge of predictors of work-related injury may contribute to injury pr evention strategies, especially among newly employed workers.