One - Year Incidence Rates of Job-Related Accidents in one of the Biggest Iranian Copper Factories (2004-2005): A New Method to Assess Job-Related Accidents Severity

In order to measure the economic cost of accidents as well as their effect on human health, information about incidence trend, the risk of accidents and the severity of resulting injuries is needed. This study aims to assess one-year incidence rate of job-related accident's among workers of Sarcheshmeh Copper Factories Complex, Kerman, Iran. Furthermore, a new method for measuring job-related accidents severity is also introduced. In this longitudinal study all workers in Sarcheshmeh Copper Factories Complex were followed for two years. Demographic characteristics as well as specific Information such as the number of lost days were collected using a checklist. Injured people or their co-workers were interviewed in face to face sessions. Data were analyzed in SPSS and parametric (t-test, ANOVA) or non-parametric (X2) tests were used where appropriate. Relative risk (RR) was calculated to compare incidence rates. The new method for measuring the severity of job-related accidents is also presented. Mean age of injuired people was 37.4±7.3 years (n=170). One-year incidence rate of accidents (in 1000 person-year at risk) in 2004 and 2005 was 21.52 and 14.41 respectively. Carelessness was the most common cause of accidents. Mean lost days for injured workers was 29.8±29.7. Reduction of the risk of accidents in the second year shows the success of educational and protection programs. However, more attempts should be made to reduce this risk. The method for calculation of the severity of job-related accidents in this research is more accurate than the method that is being used.