[Work-related injuries in Monfalcone shipyard (2000-2010)]

Shipbuilding industry exhibits higher injury rates at the workplace than those reported in other industrial sectors. Work-related injuries (n = 6714) occurred from 2000 to 2010 at the shipyard of Monfalcone (Gorizia-Italy) were considered. Injury frequency incidence (IF = number of accidents/number of workers x 1000) and injury severity rate were estimated. Among permanent (directly employed) shipyard workers, the IF ranged from 294.6 in 2000 to 113.7 in 2010. Injury severity rates showed the same decreasing trend. The IF for contract workers was unchanged over the calendar period (110.5 in 2000 to 110.9 in 2010) with no significant change in the injury severity rate. These findings suggest an improvement of the working condition for permanent shipyard workers as a result of prevention policies (education and surveillance) and the automation of production processes. Further preventative interventions are suggested to minimize work-related injuries and to promote health and safety in the shipbuilding industry.