Abstract
Background
To compare the type, severity, cause, and cost of work‐related injuries between Lebanese and non‐Lebanese workers in insured workplaces in Lebanon.
Methods
A total of 4,186 claims and medical reports for 3,748 work‐related injuries filed in 1998 at five major insurance companies were reviewed.
Results
Non‐Lebanese workers (46%) were younger (29 vs. 31 years), belonged mainly to the construction sector (62% vs. 29%), and were paid less ($365 vs. $438/month) than Lebanese workers. Non‐Lebanese construction workers reported more feet and eye injuries. Falls were more common among Lebanese workers while non‐Lebanese workers commonly reported being struck by an object. No differences were noted in the severity of injuries (workdays lost; hospitalization) between the two groups, but, overall cost per injury was higher among the Lebanese workers.
Conclusions
There were no salient differences between Lebanese and non‐Lebanese workers regarding severity of work injuries, which may reflect the disparity in access to the Lebanese heath care system by nationality. Syrian migrant workers appear to represent a special group in Lebanon. Additional, in‐depth analysis of the social, political, and workplace mechanisms leading to work injuries is recommended. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:172–181, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.