Burden of Occupational Accidents in Tehran during 2008-2011

Background and purpose: Work-related accidents are causing distress and economic losses. This study was conducted to estimate the burden of occupational accidents by the use of disability-adjusted life year (DALY) calculation in Iranian Social Security Organization (ISSO), Tehran province, between 2008 and 2011 time frame. Materials and Methods: This descriptive analytical study was conducted based on the provided data by the Social Security Organization. Subjects consisted of all workers who had a work-related accident during 2008-2011 and were registered in the ISSO database. In order to maintain the comparability of the methodology for the calculation of years lost due to premature mortality and years lived with disability and DALYs, the global burden data of diseases were collected. Results: The rate of DALY was 399.552 years; 63% and 37% of which were due to premature mortality and disability, respectively. About 29% of life which accounted for the highest frequency was lost between the ages 25 and 34. In terms of gender, 99% frequency DALY was related to male workers. The most common type of accident was injury and fracture with 119.609 years lost. The most affected organs were hands and legs with 112.46 and 102.48 years lost, respectively. Fall recognized as the season with the highest DALY burden (108.85 years). Conclusion: Since majority of the incidents observed were preventable, accidental preventing programs, by the use of physical protection, training and oversees of workshops and are known to be effective in injuries reduction.