Research Plus

Does impairment lead to greater injury risk?

A systematic review assessed links between common health conditions – and their treatments – and increased risk of workplace accidents. It identified 38 relevant papers, from 33 study populations, including 16 cross-sectional and 13 case–control studies. There is a moderately higher risk of occupational injury in workers with a hearing impairment, but little evidence of a risk associated with vision impairment. There is limited evidence of increased risk of injury in those with emotional problems, and with diabetes, epilepsy and use of sedating medicine. An improved evidence base is needed to underpin fitness-for-work decisions.

Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2008; 65; 757–764. http://oem.bmj.com/content/65/11/757.abstract

Tags evidence based practice eyesight hearing injuries at work

Occupational Health at Work December/January 2008/2009 (vol. 05/4) pp40