Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Based on estimations, each year about 250 million work-related injuries and many temporary or permanent disabilities occur which most are preventable. Mining and metal industries are among industries with high incidence of injuries in the world. The aim of this study was assessment of incidence of and age and work experience characteristics in work-related injuries in mining and mineral industries in Iran.

Methods: In a retrospective study data about severe non fatal and fatal work related injuries gathered from accident registry system of the governmental Iranian mining and mineral industries development & renovation organization (IMIDRO) between 2003 and 2011. Injury characteristics including injury types, injured body parts, injury outcome and also age and work experience categorized. Incidence rates and Injury characteristics assessed based on age and work experience groups in injured workers.

Results: 10032 work-related injuries and 197 deaths were reported in the mentioned period. Mean age of injured workers was 33.9 (SD=8.4) years and mean work experience was 7.7 (SD=6.6) years. Age in 76 percent of cases was less than 40 years. 49.9% of them had work experience less than 5 years. Most common accident type was trauma and impact (27%) followed by falls (24.1%). Most common injured parts were lower limbs (33.3%) and upper limbs (33%). Most common accident outcome was strain and sprain (42.4%). There were some differences between age and work experience groups.

Conclusion: Occupational injuries are more common in younger and less experienced workers. High risk workers should be recognized and suitable programs should be considered for them.