Related Experiment Videos
The injured motor cycle messenger
D I Sweetnam1, F Morris, A Cope
1Orthopaedic Department, Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath, Avon.
Archives of Emergency Medicine
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Young motorcycle messengers in London frequently sustain injuries, often with limited training and experience. Many suffer repeated injuries, highlighting a need for improved supervision and preventative guidance in this high-risk occupation.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Occupational Health
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Motorcycle messengers represent a notable demographic among young individuals presenting with injuries to urban accident and emergency departments.
- This occupation is associated with a high risk of injury due to factors such as inexperience and inadequate training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the injury patterns and demographic characteristics of injured motorcycle messengers in Central London.
- To identify predisposing factors contributing to the frequency and severity of injuries in this occupational group.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study of 116 injured motorcycle messengers attending two Central London accident and emergency departments over a 10-month period.
- Data collection included patient demographics, injury severity, prior training, driving license status, and employment history.
Main Results:
- The mean age of injured messengers was 23 years.
- Only 18% had formal training, and 31% held only a provisional driving license.
- 58% had worked as a messenger for less than 3 months, yet two-thirds had sustained a previous injury in this role.
Conclusions:
- Motorcycle messengers are a vulnerable group experiencing frequent and often repeated injuries, indicative of inadequate supervision.
- There is a critical need for enhanced safety guidance and preventative measures for young motorcycle messengers to reduce occupational injuries.