Absenteeism metrics for risk assessment concerning illness and injury in the medical-social assistance units

Abstract

Abstract Objective. This study aimed to provide the true picture of a ten-year absenteeism survey with regard to work-related illnesses and injuries in medical-social workers, and to develop an analytical model for the occupational health practitioner to facilitate record linkage between health outcomes and occupational data. Methods. Severity indicator and specific weight indicator were calculated on the basis of sick leaves evidence from seven care facilities, as well as the average lost days per year within the period 2008-2017. Four types of work-related illnesses, non-reported accidents and five occupational groups accounted for statistic modeling of data. Results. According to the specific weight indicator for occupations, nurses ranked the first place for musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and traumatic injuries, followed by medical-social-educational staff. Severity indicator for musculoskeletal disorders was high correlated with the number of employees (r=0.66). Conclusions: This analytical method is reliable to be applied in risk assessment procedures and occupational health expertise.