The occurrence and epidemiologic features of alcohol-related occupational injuries

This paper presents a review of published literature on alcohol-related occupational injuries. Based on the information presented the true magnitude of the problem of alcohol- and work-related injuries has not been accurately assessed and the epidemiologic features of this problem have not been properly evaluated. There is some evidence, albeit incomplete, that alcohol contributes to work-related injuries, but the extent is not known. Further, the risk of injury by specific industry and occupation has not yet been elucidated. Analytic studies which include control groups and which assess confounding variables are needed so as to aid in the design of effective countermeasure strategies. Even when alcohol is detected, its role in the causal pathway from the worker-energy interaction to injury onset (or exacerbation) has not been studied.