Related Experiment Videos
Upper respiratory tract illnesses and accidents
A P Smith1, I Harvey, P Richmond
1Health Psychology Research Unit, School of Psychology, University of Wales College of Cardiff, UK.
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|July 1, 1994
Summary
This study found no link between upper respiratory tract illnesses (URTIs) and workplace accidents. Influenza may even offer a protective effect against workplace accidents, possibly because ill individuals are less likely to work.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Anecdotal evidence and lab studies suggest upper respiratory tract illnesses (URTIs) impair performance and may increase human error.
- Previous research indicates experimentally induced and naturally occurring URTIs can reduce performance efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between upper respiratory tract illnesses (URTIs) and the occurrence of accidents.
- To determine if URTIs are a risk factor for workplace accidents.
Main Methods:
- A study of 923 patients attending an Accident and Emergency department during a period of high URTI circulation.
- Comparison of accident rates among patients with URTIs versus other patients.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant association was found between URTIs and workplace accidents.
- No significant association emerged when comparing all accidents with other patient attenders.
- A potential protective effect of influenza against workplace accidents was observed, possibly due to reduced work participation.
Conclusions:
- The study did not find evidence supporting a link between URTIs and workplace accidents.
- Further research using different methodologies, such as comparing cases with co-workers, is recommended to clarify the relationship.
- Influenza's potential protective effect warrants further investigation.