The relationship between self-rated health and occupational accidents: a nationwide prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND

Self-rated health is a comprehensive measure of health status that may influence occupational accidents, particularly those involving human factors. This study aimed to examine the relationship between self-rated health and occupational accidents across various industries and occupations. We also investigated the relationship stratified by the type of accidents.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study using online self-administered questionnaires targeting workers in Japan. A baseline survey was conducted in March 2022, followed by a 1-year follow-up survey. Self-rated health at baseline was categorized into 4 groups: very good/good, slightly good, slightly poor, and poor/very poor. The dependent variable was the occurrence of occupational accidents and types of occupational accidents during the follow-up period. Logistic regression analyses adjusted for covariates were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. We also performed trend tests and calculated P for trend.

RESULTS

The analysis included 15 744 participants, among whom 1534 experienced workplace accidents. Compared with the very good/good group, the ORs for occupational accidents were 1.37 (95% CI, 1.21-1.56) in the slightly good group, 2.41 (95% CI, 2.07-2.80) in the slightly poor group, and 3.67 (95% CI, 2.94-4.59) in the poor/very poor group. Trend tests revealed significant associations between self-rated health and injuries from falls, injuries from cutting and rubbing, and heat stroke but not with injuries from crashes or tumbles and injuries from flying or falling objects.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-rated health was significantly associated with occupational accidents, particularly those involving substantial human factors.