[Analysis of occupational injuries using the new database developed for prevention in the workplace]

In Italy occupational injuries still represent a serious medical, social, and economic issue in spite of the improvement in working conditions, and an improved attention to occupational safety from both legislators and employers. In Apulia we have evaluated the new data record by INAIL (National Institute for Insurance against Occupational Injuries) reporting the occupational injuries occurred in 2000 and compensated within the following year. The new data record represents a remarkable improvement, from the epidemiological point of view, compared to the old one. However, the statistical analysis is still not completely comparable to the international epidemiological indicators. Nevertheless, the coming data base will contain the first data codified in conformity with the new European recording system "ESAW/3" adopted by INAIL since January 1st 2002.