Accident-related permanent disabilities of young workers in Sweden 1984-85

Abstract Persson, L. and Larsson, T.J., 1991. Accident-related permanent disabilities of young workers in Sweden 1984–1985. Safety Science, 14: 187–198. All 500 occupational accidents resulting in a permanent medical disability (1–100%) reported for persons under the age of 21 to the Swedish No-Fault Liability Insurance (national workers compensation) for the years 1984 and 1985 have been investigated. 96 injury cases with a degree of medical disability exceeding 10% were interviewed. The woodworking industry has the highest injury rate for young people — 7.4 permanently disabling injuries per 1000 employed between 16 and 19 years of age. This represents a risk twice as high as for older wood industry workers. The corresponding figures for the metal workers were 2.4 injuries per 1000 employed and a 50% higher risk level for the young compared to the age group over 19. More than half the interviewed had finished secondary education — most severe injuries take place in regular, industrial work. Only a third stated that they had received training on the machine involved in the injury — two thirds said that they were introduced to work by working under the supervision of a more experienced work mate. The woodworking industry has the gravest problem when severe work injuries and young people are concerned. This industry should consider a proper and established training program for new hires.