Job strain and the risk for occupational injury in small- to medium-sized manufacturing enterprises: a prospective study of 1,209 Korean employees.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate whether job strain had an effect on the risk of occupational injury of workers at small- to medium-sized manufacturing companies.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective follow-up survey and finally 1,209 workers in South Korea were included in this study. At time X1, we measured job stress with the Job Demand and Decision Latitude Questionnaire; and at time X2 (after 6 months), we evaluated occupational injuries through a single question. Occupational injuries were assessed using the question "Have you ever been injured at work, including minor scratches and cuts, in the previous four-month period" by self-reporting in the previous 4-month period.

RESULTS

For men, the high job-demand group (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.13-2.59) and high strain group (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.02-3.14) showed the increased risk of occupational injury. For women, high job-demand (OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.18-3.78), low job control (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.02-3.17), and high job strain (OR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.62-7.86) were significantly associated with occupational injury.

CONCLUSION

Workers under high job strain showed higher risk for occupational injury. The efforts to minimize stress-related occupational injuries should be required.