Equestrian Performance Research Centre, Hartpury University, Gloucestershire GL19 3BE, UK.
SportScotland Institute of Sport, Stirling FK9 5PH, UK.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Feb 12;19(4):2054. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19042054.
Occupational health is a key priority for the horseracing industry, yet little research on occupational injuries exists. This study investigated the prevalence and the effect of injury in British horseracing staff during a 12-month period. An online retrospective survey was answered by 352 participants, identifying self-reported injury prevalence, injury management practices and attitudes towards workplace injury reporting. Chi Squared tests for independence were undertaken. A total of 310 (88.1%) staff reported injuries; risk factors for injury type included self-perceived job security, working hours, and perceived job control. Physical limitations, loss of confidence, workplace changes, and lifestyle implications were reported as consequences of injury. A total of 75.3% ( = 134) of staff were likely to seek time-off following fractures, but only 48.6% ( = 86) would take time-off for concussion. Attitudes towards injury management were influenced by financial circumstances, perceived staff shortages, previous injury experiences, and perceived employer expectations. The high self-reported injury prevalence could result in decreased workforce efficiency, poor physical health, and negative implications on retention and career longevity. The perception of invisible injuries, i.e., concussion, and subsequent management, should be of immediate concern to racing organizations. This paper identifies recommendations to enhance the safety and wellbeing of horseracing staff.
职业健康是赛马行业的一个关键重点,但关于职业伤害的研究甚少。本研究调查了英国赛马行业工作人员在 12 个月期间的受伤发生率和受伤影响。352 名参与者在线回答了回顾性调查,确定了自我报告的受伤发生率、受伤管理做法以及对工作场所受伤报告的态度。进行了独立性卡方检验。共有 310 名(88.1%)工作人员报告了受伤;受伤类型的风险因素包括自我感知的工作安全性、工作时间和感知的工作控制。受伤后的后果包括身体受限、信心丧失、工作场所变化和生活方式影响。骨折后,75.3%(=134)的工作人员可能会请假,但只有 48.6%(=86)会因脑震荡请假。对受伤管理的态度受到财务状况、感知的员工短缺、以前的受伤经历和感知的雇主期望的影响。高自我报告的受伤发生率可能导致劳动力效率降低、身体健康状况不佳,以及对保留和职业寿命的负面影响。对看不见的伤害,即脑震荡,及其后续管理的认知,应该是赛马组织立即关注的问题。本文提出了加强赛马行业员工安全和健康的建议。