An Approach to Assess the Burden of Work-Related Injury, Disease, and Distress.
Am J Public Health
; 107(7): 1051-1057, 2017 07.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-28520495
ABSTRACT
The true burden (morbidity, mortality, disability, cost, pain, distress) of occupational and work-related diseases and injuries is unknown, and what is reported as burden is significantly underestimated. This underestimation affects the way decision-makers view investments in research and worker protection, which in turn has a substantial impact on national welfare and public health. To better describe the societal and individual burdens of occupational and work-related diseases and injuries, we propose an approach to gauge what is known about burden and where new assessments may be made. This approach consists of 4 elements to consider in burden assessments (1) utilizing multiple domains, including the individual worker, the worker's family, the community in which the workplace is located, the employer, and society as a whole; (2) taking a broader view of the work-relatedness of disease and injury; (3) assessing the impact of the entire working-life continuum; and (4) applying the comprehensive concept of "well-being" as an indicator in addressing contemporary changes in the nature of work, the workplace, and the workforce. Further research on burden and enhanced surveillance is needed to develop these elements.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Workplace
/
Occupational Injuries
/
Occupational Diseases
Type of study:
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Am J Public Health
Year:
2017
Document type:
Article