The fraction of long-term sickness absence attributable to work environmental factors: prospective results from the Danish Work Environment Cohort Study. Issue 7 (20th June 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bang Christensen, Karl; Lund, Thomas; Labriola, Merete; Villadsen, Ebbe; Bültmann, Ute
• Is Part Of: Occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 64:Issue 7(2007)
• Page Start: 487
• Page End: 489
• Publication Date: 2007-06-20
• Subjects: Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 616.980305
• DOI: 10.1136/oem.2006.028563
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-0711

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To examine the fraction of long-term sickness absence periods attributable to physical and psychosocial work environmental risk factors. Method: A random population sample was followed for 18 months in a national register of social transfer payments. Mutually adjusted hazard ratios for onset of long-term sickness absence and aetiological fractions were computed. Results: After mutual adjustment, no significant effect of psychosocial work environment factors remained. In men, 23% and 28% of long-term sickness absence were attributable to working mainly standing or squatting, and lifting or carrying loads, respectively. In women, 27% of long-term sickness absence was attributable to bending or twisting of the neck or back. Conclusions: Physical work environment exposures explained between 10% and 30% of long-term sickness absence. The potential for reducing long-term sickness absence is substantial.