In addition to looking at information on industries and occupations (see Table Three), it is also critical to
understand the causes and nature of work-related injuries and illnesses, and contributing factors to work
accidents, in order to address engineering and design improvements on the job. Here are some highlights
concerning these factors
1) Causation: The Maine BLS report on work related injuries and illnesses for 2005 examines two
characteristics related to causation: a) events or exposures (the manner in which the injury or illness
was produced) and b) the source of the injury or illness (“the object, substance, bodily motion, or work
environment which directly produced or inflicted the injury or illness”).
11
According to the report, the two most common types of occupational events or exposures
resulting in injuries and illness were overexertion in lifting, occurring in 13.8% of all first reports
(1,916 cases), and falls to floor, walkways, or other surfaces, in 9.8% of first reports (1,361 cases).
In addition, the most common source identified in these reports was that of the bodily motion or
position of the injured worker. This source was identified in 18.4% of all 2005 first reports.
2) Kinds of Injuries and Illnesses: The kinds of injuries and illnesses in the first reports for 2005 are
described through two characteristics: the nature of the injury or illness, and part of body affected.
Clearly “musculoskeletal injuries dominate workplace injuries and illnesses in Maine.”
13 The most
common “nature” of injuries was that of sprains, strains, and tears, which was identified in 4,921
cases, accounting for over one-third (35.5%) of all FROI’s. The second ranking “nature” of injury or
illness, “non-back soreness, pain or hurt,” listed in almost 2,000 cases (1,983 reports, or 14.3
percent) was also musculoskeletal.
14 The “part of the body” affected most often was the lumbar region
(1,852 reports, or 13.4 percent).
15
3) Occupations and Industries: Table Three lists the top ten occupations of injured workers in Maine,
and the top ten industries of injured workers. It is interesting to note that while some of the occupations
ranked in the top ten might be expected, such as construction laborers, there are also occupations not
commonly associated in the public eye with workplace injuries or illnesses, such as retail salespersons.
16
The list of top 10 industries is also eye-catching, with the surprising second-place listing of elementary
and secondary schools, and the third-place listing of nursing care facilities. It is also notable that shipbuilding
and repairing, still one of Maine’s largest industries, is on this list.
The hazards which contribute to many of the injuries among Maine’s workers can often be
mitigated by ensuring that workplaces or sites are safe and healthful through proper engineering and
design, taking into account the demands and characteristics of work in different occupations and
industries. For example, proper ergonomic work design can play a vital role in reducing
musculoskeletal related disorders or injuries (MSDs), such as carpal tunnel syndrome. (Ergonomics is
an applied science that involves the adaptation of work stations, machines, tools, and equipment, to fit
the occupational health and safety needs of workers).
17
According to OSHA, the following work practices or conditions can be contributing factors to
MSDs: “force, repetition, awkward and static postures, quick motions, compression or contact stress,
vibration, or cold temperatures.”
18 MSDs should not and need not occur as a result of an employee’s job.
A number of possible actions can be taken to mitigate the hazards that may lead to these injuries. One
strategy involves labor and management participation in joint health and safety committees, that can
function to identify, reduce, and/or eliminate ergonomic and other hazards