Abstract

A previous study has demonstrated that 7.4% of workers receiving compensation for back injuries account for 68% of the total days lost from work. The characteristics of this high risk group have not been described.

This project consisted of a three-year follow-up study of 2 342 workers, using CSST files as the source of data. Back-injury-induced work absences of at least one day were found to be most prevalent among workers between 25 and 44 years of age (55%). The average duration of incapacity increases markedly with age. The workers at highest risk are miners, lumberjacks, drivers, nurses, and orderlies.

Early treatment of spinal disorders and hazard reduction at source is recommended. These activities are particularly important in cases involving older workers and those in high-risk occupations.