Gender aspects of work-related injuries in a Swedish municipality

The purpose of this study was to investigate gender aspects of work-related injuries in a Swedish municipality (population 41,000). All unintentional injuries treated at in- and out-patient facilities were recorded during a period of 1 year. The work-related injuries were mapped out in more detail with the help of standardized and structured surveys via telephone interviews and hospital records. The rate of work-related injuries among the gainfully employed was 33 per 1000. Males were observed to suffer more work-related injuries than females (46 compared to 12 per 1000 gainfully employed persons), and there were gender differences with regard to work-related injuries and injury event patterns. Young men showed the highest rate of injuries. Injuries caused during machine operation were the most common for both males and females, amounting to almost one quarter of all injuries. Injuries caused by falls were most common amongst females in the age groups 15–24 (25%) and 45–64 (28%). More attention should be given to gender aspects of work-related injuries and their prevention.