[Commuting accidents while walking: a women occupational risk].

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Epidemiology
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Limited research exists on occupational health injuries specifically affecting women.
• Commuting accidents while walking represent a significant, yet understudied, category of work-related injuries, particularly prevalent among females.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gender-based differences in the incidence and causes of commuting accidents while walking.
• To identify specific risk factors and injury patterns associated with these accidents in women.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of Italian National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work data (2014-2018).
• Inclusion of all compensated workers for commuting while walking injuries in industrial and service sectors.
• Calculation of injury rates, incidence rate ratios, and odds ratios to assess gender disparities.

Main Results:

• Commuting while walking injuries were three times more frequent in women (1.31‰) than men (0.40‰), with increasing incidence over time and with age.
• Women were more frequently injured en route to work, during winter, on Mondays, and in Northwestern Italy. Vulnerable occupations included mail carriers, cleaners, and caregivers, especially those aged 50+.
• Females sustained higher risks of wrist, elbow, and foot fractures, whereas males had increased risks for hand, knee, and chest injuries. Diverse work/home exposures and fall dynamics contribute to gender differences.

Conclusions:

• Commuting while walking work injuries demonstrate a significantly higher incidence rate among women.
• There is a clear need for gender-specific prevention measures to address these occupational health disparities.