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. 2014:2014:430832.
doi: 10.1155/2014/430832. Epub 2014 Mar 5.

Workplace-related traumatic injuries: insights from a rapidly developing Middle Eastern country

Hassan Al-Thani  1 , Ayman El-Menyar  2 , Husham Abdelrahman  1 , Ahmad Zarour  3 , Rafael Consunji  1 , Ruben Peralta  1 , Mohammad Asim  4 , Hany El-Hennawy  1 , Ashok Parchani  1 , Rifat Latifi  5
Affiliations

Workplace-related traumatic injuries: insights from a rapidly developing Middle Eastern country

Hassan Al-Thani et al. J Environ Public Health. 2014.

Abstract

Traumatic workplace-related injuries (WRIs) carry a substantial negative impact on the public health worldwide. We aimed to study the incidence and outcomes of WRIs in Qatar. We conducted occupational injury surveillance for all WRI patients between 2010 and 2012. A total of 5152 patients were admitted to the level 1 trauma unit in Qatar, of which 1496 (29%) sustained WRI with a mean age of 34.3 ± 10.3. Fall from height (FFH) (51%) followed by being struck by heavy objects (FHO) (18%) and motor vehicle crashes (MVC) (17%) was the commonest mechanism of injury (MOI). WRI patients were mainly laborers involved in industrial work (43%), transportation (18%), installation/repair (12%), carpentry (9%), and housekeeping (3%). Use of protective device was not observed in 64% of cases. The mean ISS was 11.7 ± 8.9, median ICU stay was 3 days (1-64), and total hospital stay was 6 days (1-192). The overall case fatality was 3.7%. Although the incidence of WRI in Qatar is quite substantial, its mortality rate is relatively low in comparison to other countries of similar socioeconomic status. Prolonged hospital stay and treatment exert a significant socioeconomic burden on the nation's and families' resources. Focused and efficient injury prevention strategies are mandatory to prevent future WRI.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Percentage distribution of WRI and case fatality in different age groups.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Percentage distribution of WRI and case fatality according to type of work.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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