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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
06:55
Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting (Propensity Score) using the Military Health System Data Repository and National Death Index
Published on: January 8, 2020
[Mortality due to occupational injury is underreported]
Ebba Wergeland1, Finn Gjertsen, Johan Lund
1Arbeidstilsynet i Oslo, Postboks 8174 Dep., 0034 Oslo. ebba-we@online.no
Summary
Fatal occupational injuries in Norway are significantly underreported, with actual numbers being 44% higher than official records suggest. This underreporting, especially for transport accidents, distorts risk assessments and prevention needs.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Epidemiology
- Public Health Surveillance
Context:
- Official registries for fatal occupational injuries in Norway, excluding specific sectors, were assumed to be complete.
- Previous data from the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (NLIA) was used as a baseline for comparison.
Purpose:
- To assess the completeness of the NLIA's registry of fatal occupational injuries.
- To estimate the true incidence of fatal occupational injuries in Norway using a capture-recapture model.
Summary:
- A capture-recapture analysis comparing the NLIA registry with the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry (2000-2003) revealed 214 fatal occupational injuries among Norwegian residents.
- The study estimated the actual number of fatal injuries to be 246, indicating a 44% underestimation by the NLIA.
- Underreporting was most significant for transport accidents, military deaths, and in specific regions like Northern Norway/Spitsbergen.
Impact:
- Fatal occupational injuries are more frequent than officially reported, necessitating a re-evaluation of current surveillance systems.
- Underreporting of transport accidents and other causes can lead to misinterpretation of industry risks, temporal trends, and the required preventive measures.
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