Disease and Injury in U.S. Navy Engineering Occupations.
Abstract
This study assessed the risk of occurrence of disease and injury in active-duty enlisted Navy engineering personnel compared of the total Navy during two time periods, 1974-79, and 1980-83. All Navy engineering occupational combined had about 20% higher risks for nervous system disorders (principally hearing loss), musculoskeletal disorders, and accidents. This excess was statistically significant. A large proportion of this excess was contributed by one occupatinal group: Boiler Technicians. Boiler technicians had a consistently high excess risk across the greatest number of disease categories of any Navy engineering occupation. Disorders for which Boiler Technicians were statistically significantly well above the Navy norm included: mental disorders (35 percent higher) and nervous system disorders (45 percent higher). Boiler Technicians also have significantly high rates of accidental injury, and these rates increased by 10 percent from 40 to 50 percent greater than the rest of the Navy during the two study periods. Navy engineering work involves close contact with heavy machinery under conditions which are often adverse. Engineering environments are hot, dirty, and noisy, and the high potential for accidents is shown by the high rates of accidental and musculoskeletal injury experienced by men working under these conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 31, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA187721
Entities
People
- E. K.Eric Gunderson
- Edward Doerr Gorham
- Frank C. Garland
- James C. Helmkamp
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center