[Fatal occupational accidents: estimates based on more data sources].

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Public Health Surveillance
• Epidemiology of Traumatic Injuries

Context:

• The Italian National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL) is a primary source for fatal occupational injury data.
• Previous assumptions considered INAIL data to be comprehensive and reliable for occupational injury surveillance.
• A critical evaluation of data completeness is necessary for accurate public health monitoring.

Purpose:

• To assess the completeness and reliability of INAIL data on fatal occupational injuries.
• To compare INAIL data with regional mortality registries (RMR) and local prevention units (UOPISLL) in Tuscany.
• To estimate the true incidence of fatal work-related injuries using capture-recapture methods.

Summary:

• A 1992-1996 study found INAIL data captured only 62.2% of fatal occupational injuries, while the Tuscan Regional Mortality Registry (RMR) captured 80%.
• Capture-recapture analysis estimated nearly 500 fatal injuries, exceeding the 458 cases reported by combined INAIL, RMR, and UOPISLL data.
• Discrepancies were noted for retired farmers, construction workers, and individuals in sectors not fully covered by INAIL insurance.

Impact:

• Highlights the underestimation of occupational fatalities when relying solely on INAIL data.
• Underscores the necessity of integrating INAIL data with mortality registries for comprehensive surveillance.
• Emphasizes the importance of including data from non-traditional sources and for workers in informal or uncovered sectors.