Depression, Fatigue Up Risk of Women's Work Injuries

A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found depression, anxiety, and fatigue heighten the risk of women getting injured at work, with mental health factors only affecting women's chance of work injury compared to men, reports Psych Central . The researchers examined the claims data of 314 businesses from various industries, and nearly 17,000 employees were represented. Although men were more likely to have a work-related injury than women, behavioral health factors did not directly impact their risk of injury. Women were more likely to report mental and behavioral health issues, and these conditions elevated their work injury risk. Nearly 60 percent of women with a work injury experienced a behavioral health condition prior to injury, versus 33 percent of men. "Keeping workers safe ... requires an integrated approach that connects health, well-being, and safety," says Colorado School of Public Health Professor Natalie Schwatka. However, she also notes workers who had a past injury were more likely to be injured again, regardless of sex. "There are a number of social and cultural factors that may explain why women reported having more behavioral health concerns than men did," Schwatka says. "Men generally admit to fewer health concerns. And women may face different stresses at work and at home. It's something that is worth exploring in future research."