Occupational Injuries in the Emergency Department: Single Center Study

Abstract

Objectives: Occupational or work-related injuries are frequently seen in the Emergency Department (ED). In this single center study, we aimed to explore the pattern of Occupational Injuries (OIs) that presented to an academic ED, so as to assess the extent to which the workers are protected from work-related hazards and risks in the region. Setting: This was a retrospective cohort study involving patients who attended an academic ED at King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH) in the Kingdom of Bahrain from January 2017 to December 2020 after an OI. Participants: Data of 404 participants were collected after they fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results: OI incidence was significantly higher among males (88.1% p = 0.000) and non-Bahrainis (58.2%, p = 0.000). Most of the injuries (48.2%) were associated with work in the fields of manufacturing, construction, and transport. Slipping/ tripping was the most frequent mechanism of injury at work (22.5%). OIs were more likely to occur on Sundays (19.3%) and during the morning hours 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (54.0%, p = 0.000). Among those who do a job that requires wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), a significantly low number of workers were wearing it at the time of injury (p = 0.03). The mean length of the stay for admitted cases in the hospital was 8.15 ± 11.23 (range: 1–64) days. Rehabilitation was required in 33.9% cases. Conclusion: The mortality was very low, and most patients were discharged after treatment in the ED, with a low percentage requiring admission. However, the days of work lost were significant, representing a high socioeconomic burden. A significant relationship between the injury and not using PPE was found, stressing the fact that the enforcement of strict safety regulations and the use of PPE should be mandatory. Further studies are needed to determine the true burden of work-related injuries in Bahrain with a focus on prevention strategies.