Multivariate hazards RRs (95% CIs) of prognostic factors for return to work after sickness vwelders's absence due to respiratory disorders
| Cause of sickness absence | Factor | Subjects | RR | (95% CI) | p Value |
| Asthma: | |||||
| Age (y): | |||||
| ⩽40 | 26 | 1.00 | |||
| >40 | 20 | 1.06 | (0.53 to 2.14) | 0.86 | |
| Office workers | 2 | 1.00 | |||
| vMetal workers | 25 | 4.90 | (1.04 to 23.13) | 0.04 | |
| v Welders | 19 | 4.77 | (0.97 to 23.4) | 0.05 | |
| Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: | |||||
| Age (y): | |||||
| ⩽40 | 43 | 1.00 | |||
| >40 | 36 | 1.00 | (0.60 to 1.65) | 0.99 | |
| Office workers | 4 | 1.00 | |||
| vMetal workers | 45 | 5.53 | (1.83 to 16.73) | 0.002 | |
| v Welders | 30 | 4.79 | (1.56 to 14.71) | 0.006 | |
| Chronic non-specific lung disease: | |||||
| Age (y): | |||||
| ⩽40 | 50 | 1.00 | |||
| >40 | 38 | 0.90 | (0.55 to 1.47) | 0.67 | |
| Office workers | 4 | 1.00 | |||
| vMetal workers | 47 | 6.43 | (2.08 to 19.85) | 0.001 | |
| v Welders | 37 | 5.74 | (1.90 to 17.4) | 0.002 | |