Epidemiology of musculoskeletal injury in the California film and motion picture industry

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Musculoskeletal injury exerts a significant burden on US industry. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency and characteristics of musculoskeletal injuries in the California (CA) film and motion picture (FMP) industry which may result in unforeseen morbidity and mortality.</jats:p><jats:p>We reviewed the workers’ compensation (WC) claims database of the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) and employment statistics through the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). We analyzed the frequency, type, body part affected, and cause of musculoskeletal injuries.</jats:p><jats:p>From 2003 to 2009, there were 3505 WC claims of which 94.4% were musculoskeletal. In the CA FMP industry, the most common injuries were strains (38.4%), sprains (12.2%), and fractures (11.7%). The most common sites of isolated injury were the knee (18.9%), lower back (15.0%), and ankle (8.6%). Isolated musculoskeletal spine injuries represented 19.3% of all injuries. The most common causes of injury were work-directed activity (36.0%) and falls (25.5%).</jats:p><jats:p>We present the first report on the unique profile of musculoskeletal injury claims in the FMP industry. This data provides direction for improvement of workplace safety.</jats:p>

Head Trauma and Concussions in Film and Television Stunt Performers

“… 9 An anecdotal case study 15 of a series of concussions sustained by actor James Cagney—including one where Cagney performed a stunt himself in lieu of a stunt performer—is 1 of only 2 known scientific articles before Russell et al 9 who mention concussions in film and television personnel. The other article identified work injuries occurring in the California motion picture industry 16 ; concussions were responsible for only 0.63% of worker compensation claims across 7 years.…”