Work-related injuries: a perspective based on a survey of four Jamaican companies

ABSTRACT

The health problems of workes in four companies in the manufacturing sector of Jamaican industry were explored in a sample of ninety seven workers. The workers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire containing five sections; personal profile, occupational history, perceptions, attitude and recommendations. Over 50 percent of the workers reported having an accident with an associated injury while working, and more than 27.8 percent were of the perception that health-related risks associated with working conditions were high. The incidence of work related injuries in these companies is discussed, as well as factors associated with their occurence. The implications of these results are examined relative to the present coping mechanisms aimed at work injury prevention. Occupational health has not received much legislative attention in the past. Recent proposals for a new National Industrial Policy for Jamaica do not suggest imminent action in terms of injury prevention policies.(Au)