The Relationship Between Chronic Conditions and Work-Related Injuries and Repetitive Strain Injuries in Canada

Objective: To examine the relationships between arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and back problems, and the risk of work-related injuries (WRIs) and work-related repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). Methods: Using data from the 2003 and 2005 Canadian Community Health Surveys (n = 79,114), we examined the relationship between each chronic condition and WRIs and RSIs, adjusting for various demographic and work-related variables that may confound this relationship. Results: Statistically elevated risks were observed for arthritis and back problems for both WRIs and RSIs among both men and women. Diabetes was also associated with a statistically elevated risk of RSIs among women. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions, in particular arthritis, back problems, and diabetes, will have important implications for the prevention of workplace injuries.