Ethnic disparities in traumatic occupational injury.

OBJECTIVE

Workers of different ethnicities differ in patterns of employment and occupational risks. We use the Illinois Trauma Registry to evaluate ethnic disparities among the occupational traumatic injuries occurring in the State of Illinois between 1997 and 2003.

METHODS

We analyze incidence, severity, cause and place of injury, disability and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

The incidence rates of traumatic injuries among Hispanics were more than two times higher than whites, however, the risk of severe injury (Injury Severity Score >or=16) was more than 50% lower. Among African-American workers, the incidence and severity of traumatic injuries were lower than whites. Machinery was the primary external cause of injury among Hispanics. blacks were disproportionately injured in road accidents and homicides/assaults.

CONCLUSION

There are substantial racial/ethnic differences in incidence, severity and outcome of work-related traumatic injuries treated in level I and II trauma centers in Illinois.