Fatal Occupational injuries in Taiwan: 1994-2005
- 1 Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan;
- 2 School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan;
- 3 Faculty of Public Health, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan
- Correspondence to: Chun-Yuh Yang, Faculty of Public Health, Kaohsiung Medical University, No 100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan; chunyuh{at}kmu.edu.tw
- Received 5 April 2009
- Accepted 16 August 2009
- Published Online First 9 October 2009
Abstract
Objectives: This study examines the trends in rates of fatal occupational injuries by demographic groups and occupations for the period from 1994-2005 in Taiwan.
Methods: Data on deaths due to injuries on worksites that occurred from 1994 through 2005 were obtained from Department of Health which is responsible for the death registration system in Taiwan. Employment data, which were used as the denominators of fatality rates in this study, were retrieved from the Directorate-General of Budget and Accounting Statistics "Employment and Earnings" database. A Poisson regression model was used to examine the trends in rates of fatal occupational injuries in various occupations while controlling for demographic characteristics.
Results: Overall fatal occupational injury rates declined during the study periods among all demographic groups and occupations. Adjusted annual changes in rates of fatal injuries ranged from a decline of 13.6% a year in machine operators/related workers to a decline of 35.9% in clerks. The annual decrement was faster for males than for females and for older workers compared to young workers.
Conclusions: Despite declining rates, the number of fatal occupational injuries in Taiwan remains significant because of its growing workforce. Disparities in fatal injury trends provide prime targets for further attention.
