Using data to guide occupational injury prevention strategies for young adult hispanic workers in Massachusetts

Introduction: In the U.S., the term “young workers” has expanded beyond minors to include persons ages 18-24. Each year, nationwide, an estimated 795,000 young workers are treated in emergency departments for non-fatal work-related injuries. In 2010, Massachusetts began collecting data on workers ages 18-24 with attention paid to whether Hispanics in this age group have higher rates of injury, as has been documented in workers under age 18. Little is known about the attitudes of this population towards workplace safety. Methods: Statewide Emergency Department and Hospital Discharge datasets were reviewed to identify non-fatal work-related injuries from 2005-2009. Cases were defined as persons age 18-24 treated for an injury with an expected payer of workers' compensation. Frequencies and rates were calculated by race/ethnicity, age, and gender. Formative research is underway to learn more about Hispanic young workers' attitudes and communication preferences regarding workplace health and safety. Results: From 2005-2009, a total of 53,891 young adults were treated in Massachusetts emergency departments for work-related injuries; Hispanic young adults had the highest rate of injury (457/10,000 FTEs compared to 360/10,000 FTEs for Whites). A total of 512 young adults were hospitalized for work-related injures during this period; Hispanics had over double the rate for whites (8/10,000 FTEs v 3/10,000 FTEs). Formative research findings, including messaging recommendations, will be shared in the presentation. Discussion: Within observed injuries among workers ages 18-24, Hispanics had the highest rate of injury. Formative research will help guide messaging and intervention to reduce non-fatal work-related injuries among this population.