[Occupational injuries and prolonged sick listings during the period 1989-93]

Norway lacks reliable data on the magnitude and development of occupational injuries. Each year about 25,000 occupational injuries and 2,000 occupational diseases are reported to the Labour Inspection. These constitute only one-third of all expected injuries and accidents related to the work environment. The aim of this study was to estimate the magnitude of occupational injuries in Norway causing long-term certification of illness. There was a 35% reduction in the incidence of occupational injuries in Norway from 1990 to 1993. The reduction applies to men and women combined, all age groups and most counties. The distribution of characteristics by age, sex, diagnosis and place of residence corresponds well with previous, limited studies. Injuries, especially fractures, account for approximately 70 per cent of the occupational injuries. Possible explanations for the decrease in incidence could be preventive efforts, a tighter labour market, a change from primary and secondary to tertiary industry, and the overall reduction in long-term certification of illness in Norway from 1990 to 1993.