This dissertation has comprehensively examined the epidemiology of occupational falls across groups of varying sociodemographic indices, utilising a decade of data from the Global Burden of Disease study. Through this analysis, the research has illuminated significant trends and disparities in the incidence and consequences of occupational falls, offering a detailed understanding of their global impact.
Contrary to expectations, high SDI countries exhibit higher reported death and morbidity rates. Enhanced reporting systems and health surveillance in regions with high SDI were observed to potentially lead to a more precise collection of data regarding non-fatal injuries. The improvement in diagnostic capabilities, coupled with a stronger focus on the systematic recording and monitoring of occupational injuries, was noted to contribute to an increase in the documented cases of morbidity. The comprehensive availability of such detailed records might also facilitate greater recognition and classification of chronic health conditions as being related to occupational environments. This shift towards more thorough documentation and classification practices is likely to have a significant impact on the understanding of the scope and scale of occupational health issues within these high SDI region (17) (18). Such developments are critical for providing a clearer picture of occupational health trends and for formulating more effective workplace health policies and interventions. These observations underscore the importance of continuous improvements in health surveillance systems to enhance the accuracy and comprehensiveness of occupational health data.
In this study, higher rates of morbidity were notably observed in regions with middle and high SDI levels. Individuals in higher socioeconomic groups often have better access to healthcare and legal resources, enabling them to report injuries more frequently and pursue compensation claims effectively, leading to more robust data on occupational injuries (19). Studies have shown that workers’ compensation claims are substantially more common in developed countries, where regulatory frameworks and healthcare systems are more advanced (20). This enhanced infrastructure not only supports better documentation of occupational injuries but also improves survival rates from severe injuries, although often with significant disabilities. However, this framework does not fully explain the high morbidity rates in middle SDI countries, suggesting the presence of additional factors affecting these outcomes, which require further exploration to understand the complex dynamics at play (21).
Results may be influenced by the ‘healthy worker’ effect. This suggests that the working population generally appears healthier than the general population (22). The effect arises because seriously ill or disabled individuals are less likely to be employed. Improved healthcare has enabled more individuals with disabilities to work, potentially increasing recorded YLDs in occupational settings. This study focuses on individuals who returned to work after a disability, excluding those who couldn't return and lived with the disability outside the workforce. Therefore, while the healthy worker effect might suggest an underestimation of disabilities within the employed population, this analysis does not encompass those who have left the workforce permanently. This limitation means the data might underestimate disabilities in the employed population. Policymakers must consider this when interpreting occupational health data and planning interventions to support disabled workers
(23) (24) (25) (26).
The categorisation of countries into different SDI groups is useful for broad comparisons but may mask important variations within these groups. These intra-group differences can provide critical insights into occupational health outcomes. Generalising SDI categories without recognising these differences may limit the ability to fully understand and address specific occupational health challenges within similar economic contexts. While SDI offers a valuable framework for analysis, it also introduces complexity in data interpretation. Additionally, the 2018 annual report by the ILO reinforced these findings, pointing out that in regions with low SDI, informal workers, who are frequently omitted from traditional occupational health surveillance systems encounter substantially higher risks. These workers, often engaged in unregulated sectors, lack formal employment protections and access to health and safety resources, placing them at increased vulnerability to occupational injuries (27). This lack of inclusion in safety programs and health monitoring means that the actual rate of injuries in these populations may be underreported, and the severity of occupational health issues underestimated. The findings from the ILO report underline the critical need for tailored interventions that address the unique challenges faced by workers in low SDI regions. Enhanced safety measures, better regulatory oversight, and increased training opportunities are essential to mitigate the disparities in occupational health outcomes observed across different regional and economic contexts (28).
The longitudinal dynamics of occupational injuries, as analysed by Baidwan NK et al. (2018), indicate that improvements in a country's SDI generally correlate with a reduction in the rate of severe occupational injuries, though the relationship is not linear (29). The study highlights that as countries transition from low to middle SDI, often spurred by industrialisation, there is an initial surge in occupational injury risks. This increase can be attributed to rapid workforce changes and industrial practices that outpace the development of safety regulations and worker training. During these transitional phases, emerging industries may not yet have adequate safety protocols in place, and the enforcement of existing standards can be inconsistent or insufficient, thereby elevating the risk of injuries. This dynamic could explain the higher rates of YLD and mortality observed in the middle SDI group. Another contributing factor might be the middle SDI countries' intermediate capacity in health documentation and reporting. These countries likely possess better resources to record and report injuries and mortality compared to low SDI countries but may lack the more advanced medical infrastructure of high SDI countries to effectively treat injuries. This intermediate capability might paradoxically result in higher observed rates of mortality and morbidity than seen in both high and low SDI groups, highlighting a complex interplay between healthcare development and injury outcomes in middle SDI countries (30).
Future research should focus on reducing the burden of falls from occupational injuries and improving workplace safety. Longitudinal studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of occupational falls, including chronic health conditions, disability, and quality of life impacts. These studies will offer insights into the progression and management of fall-related conditions (31).
Developing and implementing preventive strategies is crucial. Enhancing engineering controls, strengthening administrative protocols, and promoting personal protective equipment can significantly reduce fall risks. Targeted interventions for high-risk industries and vulnerable groups, such as older workers or those in hazardous conditions, are essential for improving occupational health outcomes. Increased investment in educational and training programs is also needed to raise awareness of fall hazards and encourage safe practices. Empowering workers with knowledge and tools to address risks proactively will enhance their safety and well-being (32).
Addressing these research priorities and implementing effective strategies can reduce the frequency and severity of occupational falls, creating safer work environments globally. This research aims to contribute to the body of knowledge in occupational health by providing evidence-based insights into the impact of falls on worker health. The findings are expected to inform policy decisions and interventions to improve workplace safety and reduce the burden of falls (7).