Attached
Background: Occupational machinery, injuries lead to significant mortality and morl in Sri Lanka. Extensive
Method: A descriptive cross-sectlonal study was conducted using an interviewer-administered questionnaire on 384
patients admitted to CSTH following occupational machinery injuries over a period of two years.
Results: Males were most affected (85%). Highest number of casualties was reported in timber industry, agriculture
and building construction respectively. Peak-hours for accidents were from 12 noon to 6 pm. 17% had consumed
liquor at the time of th4e incident while 47% were chewing beetle. 9.4%, 7.5% and 5.8% had pre-existing arthropathies,
visual and hearing disturbances respectively. 12.5% were disturbed following conflicts at work place while 34.4% had
domestic problems. 36% had never been properly trained for the Job while 34% incriminated old-faulty machinery.
68.8% claimed pressure of work-load within limited time as a fadtor. 78% stated the lack of safety-gear while 15%
admitted non-compliance with safety-precautions as contributory factors. 81% wqs not Insured against work-place
accidents. 87% ofthe events were eye-witnessed or recorded on CCTV. The mostaffefcted body-area was upper limbs
(84.4%) followed by chest, head & neck and abdomen. 58% resulted in temporary- partial disabilities while 21% lead
to permanent-partial disabilities.
Conclusion: Cross-tabulation ofthe severity of Injuries with consumption of liquor, work place-conflicts, lack of safety
gear and training, over-working and non-adherence to safety precautions showed significant values. Occupational'
