Is Injury an Occupational Hazard for Horseracing Staff?

Abstract

Occupational health is a key priority for the horseracing industry, yet little research on occupational injuries exists. This study investigated the prevalence and the effect of injury in British horseracing staff during a 12-month period. An online retrospective survey was answered by 352 participants, identifying self-reported injury prevalence, injury management practices and attitudes towards workplace injury reporting. Chi Squared tests for independence were undertaken. A total of 310 (88.1%) staff reported injuries; risk factors for injury type included self-perceived job security, working hours, and perceived job control. Physical limitations, loss of confidence, workplace changes, and lifestyle implications were reported as consequences of injury. A total of 75.3% (n = 134) of staff were likely to seek time-off following fractures, but only 48.6% (n = 86) would take time-off for concussion. Attitudes towards injury management were influenced by financial circumstances, perceived staff shortages, previous injury experiences, and perceived employer expectations. The high self-reported injury prevalence could result in decreased workforce efficiency, poor physical health, and negative implications on retention and career longevity. The perception of invisible injuries, i.e., concussion, and subsequent management, should be of immediate concern to racing organizations. This paper identifies recommendations to enhance the safety and wellbeing of horseracing staff.

Incidence of staff injury and illness at the Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Games

“…Stratification of our data by anatomical location demonstrates the upper limb (43.5%) being the most commonly injured, followed by the torso (21.7%) and lower limb (21.7%). While limited, there are some data on reporting of work-related injury rates among staff within the sports industry, specifically relating to equestrian racing 43 44. In contrast to our data, Cowley et al 44 identified a greater number of lower limb injuries within their staff population with an IP of 37%, while back plus chest and abdomen included 24% and upper limb were 21% of reported injuries 44.…”

The Physiological Requirements of and Nutritional Recommendations for Equestrian Riders

“…This is attributed to decreased enzymatic activity, lowered glycogenolysis, and an increased oxygen cost of exercise for the same output [154,[156][157][158]. However, working practices within the equestrian industry [159] and work-riding balance in amateur equestrian athletes [44] may inadvertently increase time spent in ketosis or with low CHO availability through early waking hours and time spent exercising in a fasted state. When ketosis is experimentally induced via exogenous supplementation, aspects of cognitive performance may be impaired [160,161] (we acknowledge that in clinical neurological models, ketosis may exert therapeutic effects [162,163]).…”

Anxiety and Depression in British Horseracing Stud and Stable Staff Following Occupational Injury

“…Mental health can be defined as the "state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community" [4]. Concerns for racing staff mental health have already been reported; increased pressures due to a "relentless" fixture list [5][6][7], lack of work-life balance resulting in a reduced recovery time [5,6] and high rates of injury [8,9] have been identified as significant risk factors. An industry report suggested 72% of training yard staff experienced stress, anxiety, or depression in the prior 12 months [3].…”

“…Occupations with high physical and emotional pressure often have perceived assumptions that participants are physically and mentally strong [13], resilient and selfsufficient [14], and accustomed to working through pain [15], which, whilst required for the demands of the job [14], becomes problematic for mental health when those assumptions are challenged, for example due to injury [16]. Horseracing is a physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding occupation [9,17], and multiple risk factors have recently been identified that may increase the risk of injury for horseracing staff [8,9]. There is a high prevalence of injury in horseracing, with staff self-reporting an average of 3.3 injuries per annum [8].…”

“…Horseracing is a physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding occupation [9,17], and multiple risk factors have recently been identified that may increase the risk of injury for horseracing staff [8,9]. There is a high prevalence of injury in horseracing, with staff self-reporting an average of 3.3 injuries per annum [8]. Industry data suggests over 50% of yards report more than 1 serious accident per year [18][19][20] and hospital visits were required in 28-71% of cases, highlighting the severity and nature of injury type is wide within the horseracing industry [19].…”