The relationship between self-rated health and occupational accidents: a nationwide prospective cohort study

Self-rated health is a comprehensive measure of health status that may influence occupational accidents, particularly those involving human factors. This study aimed to examine the relationship between self-rated health and occupational accidents across various industries and occupations. We also investigated the relationship stratified by the type of accidents.

We conducted a prospective cohort study using online self-administered questionnaires targeting workers in Japan. A baseline survey was conducted in March 2022, followed by a 1-year follow-up survey. Self-rated health at baseline was categorized into 4 groups: very good/good, slightly good, slightly poor, and poor/very poor. The dependent variable was the occurrence of occupational accidents and types of occupational accidents during the follow-up period. Logistic regression analyses adjusted for covariates were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. We also performed trend tests and calculated P for trend.

The analysis included 15 744 participants, among whom 1534 experienced workplace accidents. Compared with the very good/good group, the ORs for occupational accidents were 1.37 (95% CI, 1.21-1.56) in the slightly good group, 2.41 (95% CI, 2.07-2.80) in the slightly poor group, and 3.67 (95% CI, 2.94-4.59) in the poor/very poor group. Trend tests revealed significant associations between self-rated health and injuries from falls, injuries from cutting and rubbing, and heat stroke but not with injuries from crashes or tumbles and injuries from flying or falling objects.

Self-rated health was significantly associated with occupational accidents, particularly those involving substantial human factors.