• Betina Holbaek Pedersen, Harald Hannerz, Finn Tüchsen, Kim Lyngby Mikkelsen, and Johnny Dyreborg.
• National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersoe Parkalle 105, Copenhagen, Denmark. bhp@nrcwe.dk
• J Occup Health. 2010 Jan 1;52(3):147-54.

ObjectivesTo estimate proportions of injuries that are attributable to the work environment (excess fractions) among economically active men and to identify industries associated with an elevated injury risk.MethodsA follow-up study was conducted among all economically active men in Denmark aged 20-59 yr 1 January 1999 (N=1,315,772) for first hospital contacts in the period 1999-2003 due to injury in five body regions. Age standardised hospital treatment ratios (SHR) were calculated by industry and excess fractions were estimated.ResultsThe excess fractions by body region attributable to the work environment were: 22% (95% CI 18-26%) for lower extremities, 29% (95% CI 24-34%) for head and neck, 31% (95% CI 25-37%) for thorax, 36% (95% CI 30-43%) for upper extremities, and 39% (CI: 32-46%) for back injuries. We identified eight industries associated with significantly elevated risks for injuries to each of the five body regions. These were: "road contractors", "bricklayer, joiner, and carpentry work", "finishing (construction work)", "transport of goods", "fire service and salvage corps", "stone-works, pottery, and glass industry", "cleaning, laundries, and dry cleaners", and "slaughterhouse industry".ConclusionsThere are substantial industrial inequalities in injury rates among male workers in Denmark. The size of the inequalities differs between body regions.

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