A Cross-sectional Analysis of Acute Injuries Among US Coast Guard Responders to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

Abstract

We investigated factors associated with acute injury among US Coast Guard responders to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Self-reported data across five domains (demographic, operational, military, environmental, and comorbidities) were evaluated as potential risk factors for self-reported injuries experienced while deployed (slips, trips, and falls and penetrating injuries). Adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Factors associated with slips, trips, and falls included increasing age, Hispanic ethnicity, Unknown race/ethnicity, service in the Selected Reserve, junior enlisted rank, engaging in operational response duties over longer durations, self-reported crude oil exposure, use of heat-susceptible personal protective equipment, musculoskeletal symptoms, reduced sleep, and high overall exposure based on a latent class variable. Factors associated with penetrating injuries were similar, though also included time outdoors and fatigue. The environment defined by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill was associated with increased acute injury prevalence in oil spill responders.