|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NIOSH Programs > Economics > NIOSH Funded Research Grants
EconomicsActivities: NIOSH Funded Research GrantsCosts of Occupational Injury and IllnessThe purpose of this project is to estimate the costs of occupational injury and illness in the United States using current data and improved methods. Because the most recent study dates from 1992, current and comprehensive estimates are needed that will incorporate the changes that have occurred since then. For example, reported national injury rates have been falling, while workers' compensation costs fell from 1993 to 1998 but have risen since 1999. Costs will be estimated in the following categories: 1) economic categories of direct (medical, administrative) and indirect (lost earnings, fringe benefits, home production, employer) costs; 2) demographic categories such as gender, race, ethnicity and age, as well as occupations, industries, and geographic location; 3) fatal diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumoconiosis, lung cancer, coronary heart disease, and renal disease; 4) non-fatal diseases such as dermatitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, hernia, and poisoning; 5) fatal injuries such as homicides and falls; and 6) non-fatal injuries such as amputations, bums, concussions, electric shock, fractures, sprains and strains. Extensive sensitivity analyses also will be conducted to determine how the estimates vary as key assumptions are altered. Longitudinal Study of Respiratory Function in Aluminum Smelter WorkersIn North America, consensus has not been reached regarding the association between workplace exposures in aluminum smelters and the diagnosis of obstructive lung disease. Previous studies have been limited by a lack of preexisting health information, reliance on variable diagnostic methods, and the unclear impact of the healthy worker effect. This historic/prospective longitudinal cohort study of workers from the world's largest aluminum producer, integrates multiple datasets -including a human resources database, an onsite clinic database, an industrial hygiene database, insurance claims data, medical records and spirometry records- and explores the relationship between the diagnosis of obstructive lung disease, longitudinal changes in spirometry and the multiple exposures present in aluminum smelters, particularly total and respirable particulate matter. Multivariate models will be developed that will include demographic data, smoking status, and the workplace exposures in aluminum smelters to predict decline in spirometric function and the incidence of obstructive lung disease. Intervention Effectiveness in Finnish AgricultureAgriculture remains one of the most hazardous U.S. industries and effective interventions are needed. This study evaluates a well-established agricultural safety and health intervention. The results have great importance for similar efforts elsewhere. The purpose of this study is to test the following two hypotheses: 1) Finnish farmers who are members of the Occupational Health Service (OHS) have lower injury rates, respiratory disease rates, and claim costs compared to nonmembers and 2) severe injuries are associated with demographic, income, and farm characteristics. The first hypothesis is tested through a retrospective cohort study, assessing whether claim rates and costs differ between OHS members and matched nonmembers. Longitudinal methods (Generalized Estimating Equations, time series) assess differences in incidence rates and trends over time. The second hypothesis is tested through a case-control study that identifies risk factors for severe injuries, i.e., those cases that represent approximately 20 percent of total cases and 80 percent of insurance costs. Both analyses are based on a large, well-defined cohort and extensive data on injuries and occupational diseases. |
|
NIOSH Program Portfolio:Economics |
|||||
