Workers' compensation injury claims among workers in the private ambulance services industry—Ohio, 2001–2011

Abstract

Background Ambulance service workers frequently transfer and transport patients. These tasks involve occupational injury risks such as heavy lifting, awkward postures, and frequent motor vehicle travel. Methods We examined Ohio workers’ compensation injury claims among state‐insured ambulance service workers working for private employers from 2001 to 2011. Injury claim counts and rates are presented by claim types, diagnoses, and injury events; only counts are available by worker characteristics. Results We analyzed a total of 5882 claims. The majority were medical‐only (<8 days away from work). The overall injury claim rate for medical‐only and lost‐time cases was 12.1 per 100 full‐time equivalents. Sprains and strains accounted for 60% of all injury claims. Overexertion from patient handling was the leading injury event, followed by motor vehicle roadway incidents. Conclusions Study results can guide the development or improvement of injury prevention strategies. Focused efforts related to patient handling and vehicle incidents are needed.

Workers' compensation costs for healthcare caregivers: Home healthcare, long‐term care, and hospital nurses and nursing aides

“…The total costs associated with MVAs for HHN/HHNAs were 3.2 times that of either the combined HN/HNA or LTN/LTNA groups ($1.3 million vs. $400,000). Another occupation that has seen similar percentages for compensation claims for MVAs was private ambulance drivers (12.3% of all claims) 27 . Recent research 10–12 into the perceived hazards of HHNs and nursing aides identified several unique exposures: (1) secondhand smoke, (2) exposure to pets (e.g., animal bites and trip hazards), (3) pests (e.g., bed bugs and cockroaches), (4) egress/ingress homes multiple times a day, (5) driving motor vehicles, and (6) handling patients with no equipment.…”

Analyzing Workers’ Compensation Claims and Payments Made Using Data from a Large Insurance Provider

“…Several previous research efforts focusing on particular states and specific occupations have used WC systems data to estimate the prevalence of different types of workplace injuries and the characteristics of affected workers. For example, a 10 year-long study [ 19 ] conducted among workers in the private ambulance services industry in Ohio found that around 54% of the claimants were males, and the majority (40%) were in the 25–34-year-old age-group. Around 60% of the claims were attributed to sprains and strains combined.…”

Occupational injuries and illnesses among law enforcement officers, 2001−2019: Findings from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation

“…The research findings reveal a significant decline in the frequency of LT, MO, and total claims among LEOs, which is consistent with other OHBWC-based studies of first responders such as firefighters and ambulance service workers. 27,28 The observed decreasing trend among LEOs is also likely indicative of an overall decline in claim counts and rates within the OHBWC database. 25,29 A similar decline in occupational injury counts and rates over time has also been noted using national data sources including the BLS SOII data.…”