[Trends in occupational injuries in employees affiliated with MC Mutual in Spain, 2005-2009].

OBJECTIVES

In recent years, occupational injury rates are declining significantly. This study analyzes temporal trends of nonfatal occupational injuries among employees affiliated with MC Mutual in the period 2005-2009, by sex, age, activity of the company and duration of sick leave.

METHODS

Time series. We calculated the annual incidence rate adjusted by sex, age and activity of the company through direct standardization, as well as changes in annual and overall rates, together with stratified analysis by duration of sick leave.

RESULTS

The standardized incidence of occupational injuries decreased from 74.8 per 1000 workers-year in 2005 to 48.3 in 2009 (a 35.4% reduction). The highest standardized incidence and rate of reduction was observed among sick leave processes lasting between 4 and 15 days, which decreased from 41.1 in 2005 to 25.2 in 2009 (a 38.6% reduction). Changes in trends were not consistent when considering the duration of the sick leave.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a significant reduction in nonfatal occupational injuries resulting in sick leave during the study period, after considering age and sex of workers and the economic activity of affiliated companies, mainly at the expense of sick leave processes of short duration.