Job Strain and the Risk for Occupational Injury in Small- to Medium-Sized Manufacturing Enterprises: AProspective Study of 1,209 Korean Employees

Background The aim of this study was to investigate whether job strain had all effect on the risk of occupational injury of workers at small- to medium-sized manufacturing companies. Methods We conducted a prospective follow-up survey and finally 1,209 workers in South Korea were included in this study. At time X1, we measured job stress with the Job Demand and Decision Latitude Questionnaire; and at time X2 (after 6 months), we evaluated occupational injuries through a single question. Occupational injuries were assessed using the question Have you ever been injured at work, including minor scratches and cuts, in the previous four-month period by self-reporting in the previous 4-month period. Results For men, the high job-demand group (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.13-2.59) and high strain group (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.02-3.14) showed the increased risk of occupational injury. For women, high job-demand (OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.18-3.78), low job control (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.02-3.17), and high job strain (OR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.62-7.86) were significantly associated with occupational injury. Conclusion Workers under high job strain showed higher risk for occupational injury. The efforts to minimize stress-related occupational injuries should be required. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:322-330, 2009. (C) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.