Fatal Occupational Events in a Development Area in East China: 1991 to 1997

Abstract

Fatal Occupational Events in a Development Area in East China: 1991 to 1997: Jinliang ZHU, et al. School of Public Health, Shanghai Medical University-We analyzed 383 occupational fatal events in a new development area in east China during the period 1991-1997. Most of the events took place during the period 1994-1997, because many large projects related to infrastructure development were ratified and implemented during that period. Extra working shifts on weekends were one of the risk factors in occupational fatalities. Falls, collisions, objects struck against, excavation cave-ins and electrocution were most important types of injury and accounted for the majority of the multiple incident accident types. The most common equipment or environment involved was the work surface, structures being built, cranes, and electric and electronic devices. The most common setting was construction and most incidents occurred in construction. We suggest that the prevention and control of occupational fatalities requires a comprehensive approach which includes improvement of product design, modification of the man-made environment, safety training, enforcement of relevant regulations and ergonomic controls.