Job strain and the risk for occupational injury in small‐ to medium‐sized manufacturing enterprises: A prospective study of 1,209 Korean employees

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate whether job strain had an effect on the risk of occupational injury of workers at small- to medium-sized manufacturing companies. METHODS: We conducted a prospective follow-up survey and finally 1,209 workers in South Korea were included in this study. At time X1, we measured job stress with the Job Demand and Decision Latitude Questionnaire; and at time X2 (after 6 months), we evaluated occupational injuries through a single question. Occupational injuries were assessed using the question "Have you ever been injured at work, including minor scratches and cuts, in the previous four-month period" by self-reporting in the previous 4-month period. RESULTS: For men, the high job-demand group (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.13-2.59) and high strain group (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.02-3.14) showed the increased risk of occupational injury. For women, high job-demand (OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.18-3.78), low job control (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.02-3.17), and high job strain (OR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.62-7.86) were significantly associated with occupational injury. CONCLUSION: Workers under high job strain showed higher risk for occupational injury. The efforts to minimize stress-related occupational injuries should be required.