The relationship between chronic conditions and work-related injuries and repetitive strain injuries in Canada.

Abstract

To examine the relationships between arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and back problems, and the risk of work-related injuries (WRIs) and work-related repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). Using data from the 2003 and 2005 Canadian Community Health Surveys (n = 79,114), we examined the relationship between each chronic condition and WRIs and RSIs, adjusting for various demographic and work-related variables that may confound this relationship. Statistically elevated risks were observed for arthritis and back problems for both WRIs and RSIs among both men and women. Diabetes was also associated with a statistically elevated risk of RSIs among women. The results of this study suggest that the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions, in particular arthritis, back problems, and diabetes, will have important implications for the prevention of workplace injuries.