The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71226

Ty Brubaker¹, Diana Sticker, MPH², Joan Rothlein, PhD², and Linda McCauley, PhD³. (1) Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Portland State University, 1131 C Street, Washougal, WA 98671, 360 835 3664, tylarue@hotmail.com, (2) Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon Health & Sciences University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Rd.L606, Portland, OR 97201, (3) Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Rd., mail code L606, Portland, OR 97201

The exploration of stress-related workers’ compensation claims is a fairly uncharted area of investigation. As the United States’ workforce shifts to more service-oriented jobs, we may see a decrease in injuries associated with physically demanding work activities and an increase in injuries or illnesses associated with psychologically demanding work activities or experiences. Additionally, an unstable job market may exacerbate work activities that are already prone to psychologically distressing outcomes. This paper describes an analysis of the characteristics 621 stress-related claims filed in workers compensation insurer databases in Oregon during 2000-2001. The narrative fields on the workers compensation insurer databases provide descriptive information on the claims, not generally available on state workers compensation system. Specifically we examined predictors for whether a claim would be accepted or denied and differences among medical-only and time loss claims. In our sample over 90% of stress-related claims were denied. The service industry had the highest frequency of stress-related claims and women were more likely to file stress-related claims than men. The likelihood of a claim being accepted differed according to the type of stress involved (acute psychological stress, cumulative stress, violence and harassment). Factors such as occupation, industry, type of claim, and demographic variables that predict whether a stress-related claim is accepted will be presented.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session the learner will be able to:
• Identify the types of psychological stress claims among workers compensation insurers.
• Identify factors that predict whether a psychological stress-related claim will be accepted or denied
• Discuss current legislation that impacts the acceptance of work-related pyschological stress claims

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.