Injury Patterns and Contributory Factors In Patients Admitted to Colombo-South Teaching Hospital (Csth) Sri Lanka Following Occupational Machinery Injuries

Abstract

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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'