A Systematic Review of Epidemiological Studies Investigating Risk Factors for Work-Related Road Traffic Crashes and Injuries

This systematic review seeks to identify and critically appraise epidemiological studies that have investigated risk factors contributing to work-related road traffic injuries. Several electronic databases were searched, along with websites of relevant organizations, reference lists of included studies, and issues of major injury journals published within the past 5 years. Studies were included if they investigated work-related traffic crashes or related injuries or deaths as the outcome, measured any potential risk factor for work-related road traffic crash as an exposure, included a relevant comparison group, and were written in English. Relevant studies were critically appraised using the GATE-lite critical appraisal. Meta-analysis was not attempted because of the heterogeneity of the included studies. The results suggest that there is a lack of quality epidemiological evidence or risk factors for work-related road traffic crashes. Of 25 studies identified, three of four robust (case–control and case-crossover) studies found an increased injury risk among workers after extended shifts, for tractor-trailers with brake and steering defects, and for "double configuration" trucks. The fourth study showed that alcohol and drug use were not risk factors in an industry with a random testing policy. The best cross-sectional studies showed associations between injury and sleepiness, time spent driving, occupational stress, non-insulin-dependent uncomplicated diabetes, and use of narcotics and antihistamines. Modifiable behavioral and vehicle-related risk factors are most likely to contribute to work-related traffic injury. The most commonly researched topics, fatigue and sleepiness, were consistently associated with increased risk.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1136/ip.2007.016766
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/13538047
• Authors:
  • Robb, G
  • Sultana, S
  • Ameratunga, S
  • Jackson, R
• Publication Date: 2008-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 51-58
• Serial:
  • Injury Prevention
  • Volume: 14
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
  • ISSN: 1353-8047
  • EISSN: 1475-5785
  • Serial URL: http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash exposure; Crash risk forecasting; Epidemiology; Human factors in crashes; Literature reviews; Occupational safety; Traffic crashes; Vehicle factors in crashes; Work trips
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I80: Accident Studies; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01091360
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 23 2008 9:22AM