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Home / Equine Research Bank / Am J Ind Med / Analysis of Thoroughbred horse farm workers’ compensat...
American journal of industrial medicine2020; 63(10); 936-948; doi: 10.1002/ajim.23159

Analysis of Thoroughbred horse farm workers’ compensation insurance claims in Kentucky: Injury frequency, cost, lost time, and associated occupational factors.

Abstract: Thoroughbred horse farm workers self-report a high frequency of work-related injuries and pain. However, an analysis of Thoroughbred horse farm workers' compensation injury claims is absent from the literature, yet may benefit worker safety. We analyzed workers' compensation insurance firm data containing 2276 claims filed between 2008 and 2015. Injury frequency, cost, and lost time per cause, nature, and body part injured were examined qualitatively and via univariate tests. Factors associated with high cost and high duration lost time claims were modeled via multivariable logistic regression. The average Thoroughbred worker claim cost $4,198 and accrued 10 days lost time, involving strikes (57% of total claims), sprains/strains (34%), and wrist/hand injuries (18%). Injuries primarily occurred on mornings (54%), weekdays (79%), and during the transition from breeding to sales (23%). Jobs with a high level of horse contact had significantly higher cost ($6,487) and higher duration lost time (16.8 days) claims, with significantly higher cost claims on the weekends ($6,471) and from the oldest workers ($7466), vs reference groups. Logistic models indicate significantly increased odds of a high-cost injury among high horse contact jobs (OR = 1.87; 95% C.I. = 1.53-2.29) and older age tertiles (1.38; 1.08-1.75; 1.70, 1.32-2.18). The odds of a high duration lost time injury are significantly increased among high horse contact jobs (1.91; 1.53-2.39) and males (1.50, 1.13-1.98), with significantly reduced odds among the most tenured workers (0.74; 0.56-0.99). Our findings elucidate factors to reduce injury frequency, cost, and lost time among Thoroughbred horse farm workers.
© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Publication Date: 2020-07-28 PubMed ID: 32725660DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23159Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study examined compensation claims made by Thoroughbred horse farm workers in Kentucky between 2008 and 2015, determining the frequency, cost, and lost time of these injuries, along with the occupational factors that contribute to them.

Research Methodology

  • The study relied on data from workers’ compensation insurance firms, specifically examining 2276 claims filed within the 2008-2015 period.
  • The researchers considered the causes, nature, and body parts injured, both qualitatively and using univariate tests.
  • They then created models using multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with high-cost claims and claims resulting in more lost time.

Key Findings

  • The average claim from a Thoroughbred worker cost $4,198 and resulted in 10 lost workdays.
  • Most injuries involved strikes (57%), sprains/strains (34%), and wrist/hand injuries (18%).
  • Injuries primarily occurred in the mornings (54%), on weekdays (79%), and during the transition from breeding to sales season (23%).
  • Jobs involving a high level of contact with horses had significantly higher costs ($6,487) and resulted in more lost workdays (16.8 days).
  • Injuries were more expensive during the weekends ($6,471) and among older workers ($7466) compared to other groups.

Statistical Analysis

  • The logistic models revealed high horse contact jobs and older age groups had a significantly higher probability of high-cost injuries.
  • The odds of a costly injury were particularly high among high horse contact jobs (OR = 1.87; 95% C.I. = 1.53-2.29) and older age groups (1.38; 1.08-1.75; 1.70, 1.32-2.18).
  • Long-term lost time injuries were more likely among high horse contact jobs (1.91; 1.53-2.39) and males (1.50, 1.13-1.98), but less likely among the longest-tenured workers (0.74; 0.56-0.99).

Implications

  • The research helps to identify specific factors that can be targeted to reduce injury frequency, cost, and lost time among Thoroughbred horse farm workers.
  • By managing these factors effectively, firms can improve worker safety, reduce the financial burden of injuries, and minimize productivity loss due to lost workdays.

Cite This Article

APA
Flunker JC, Clouser JM, Swanberg JE. (2020). Analysis of Thoroughbred horse farm workers’ compensation insurance claims in Kentucky: Injury frequency, cost, lost time, and associated occupational factors. Am J Ind Med, 63(10), 936-948. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23159

Publication

American journal of industrial medicine
ISSN: 1097-0274
NlmUniqueID: 8101110
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 63
Issue: 10
Pages: 936-948

Researcher Affiliations

Flunker, John C
  • Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
Clouser, Jessica Miller
  • Center for Health Services Research, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
Swanberg, Jennifer E
  • Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health and Wellness, Johnson and Wales University, Providence, Rhode Island.

MeSH Terms

  • Actuarial Analysis / economics
  • Actuarial Analysis / statistics & numerical data
  • Adult
  • Animal Husbandry / economics
  • Animal Husbandry / statistics & numerical data
  • Animals
  • Farmers / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Kentucky / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Musculoskeletal System / injuries
  • Occupational Injuries / economics
  • Occupational Injuries / epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Workers' Compensation / economics
  • Workers' Compensation / statistics & numerical data

Grant Funding

  • U54 OH007547 / NIOSH CDC HHS

References

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