Injuries and illnesses aboard research vessels of the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System

Article Abstract:

The University National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) operates a fleet of about 25 vessels that are used for scientific research purposes. Each vessel maintains a crew and also carries scientists, students and technical support staff. Between 1985 and 1987 a survey was conducted regarding injuries and illnesses aboard these vessels, and how those conditions were managed. The data collected could be used for risk analyses and for comparing data from different maritime environments. Injuries accounted for 31 percent of the cases; the rest infections (34 percent); noninfectious medical illnesses (23 percent); and sexually transmitted diseases (12 percent). Each vessel has crew members called 'first responders', who are trained to perform basic physical examinations and some laboratory tests. There is a backup medical response center ashore, staffed around the clock and in telecommunication with the vessel. When information is obtained from a first responder, the physician in contact with the vessel recommends a treatment for the patient. Evacuation from the vessel, vessel diversion, or return to shore was required for 20 percent of the 122 cases requiring treatment on the basis of telecommunications with the shore. Of the 20 percent requiring these courses of action, 48 percent involved injuries; 36 percent were noninfectious medical illnesses, and 15 percent involved infectious medical illnesses. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Medical research, Sailors

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Specific illnesses, injuries, and job hazards associated with absenteeism

Article Abstract:

National probability sample data of 36 illnesses and 17 specific job hazards from 1,515 employees were assessed and correlated with patterns of absenteeism. The study sampled employees who worked at least 20 hours per week and although the data dated to 1987, they address many variables still pertaining to the workplace. These data are considered to be of unsurpassed quality. The ten most frequent illnesses and injuries, in order of importance, are back injury, fracture, cold or flu, strain injuries, hit or fall, joint inflammation, chemical burn, sprain, heart problems. The incidence of these problems is affected by gender and occupation. As expected, men hold the more dangerous occupations, and the number of absences among men is twice that of women when adjustments are factored in. Adverse environmental working conditions contribute to greater absenteeism among men. Thus many of the reasons for absenteeism among men, such as fractures, chemical burns, skin rash and toxic dust, are not among top ten reasons for absenteeism for women. Physical strain injuries, back injuries and cold or flu lead the list of reasons for female absenteeism.

Workplace accidents, Occupational health and safety, Occupational safety and health, Work environment, Worker absenteeism, Absenteeism (Labor)

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Retirement of fighter pilots with incidentally detected illnesses: a decision analytic model

Article Abstract:

The decision process concerning whether or not to ground an experienced fighter pilot suffering from a heartbeat abnormality is examined. An irregular heartbeat could suddenly incapacitate a pilot during flight and cause an accident. Although the analysis was biased in favor of grounding the veteran, the risk of the veteran making an error due to a heart problem was determined to be 10 to 46 times less than the risk required to justify replacing a veteran with a novice. In the case in question, the risk of letting the veteran with the heart problem continue to fly was approximately equal to the risk of replacing the veteran with a novice. The analysis used in this case could be applied to other situations in which a professional develops a potentially disabling medical complication when analyses concerning the frequency of human error by age and experience become available.

Case studies, Investigations, Medical examination, Fighter planes, Aircraft accidents, Air pilots, Aircraft pilots, Aircraft piloting, Fighter pilots, Aviation medicine

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