Authors: Ivyan Kambal , Hebah Sabri , Khalid Ali , Nour Sabobeh , Rand Aboelkher , Alaa Shoqeir , Ali Al-Najjar , Aya Alsabbah , Malak Abdulelah , Ruqaya Alsalihi , Sura Al-Rawi , Firas Al-Najjar

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to describe occupational injury patterns and outcomes and explore associations between injury characteristics and clinical outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Emergency Department (ED) of Rashid Hospital Trauma Center (RHTC), Dubai Health (DH), between November 2019 and December 2021. Adults aged 18–60 years who were identified during ED triage by nurses as having sustained an occupational injury, defined as a physical injury incurred as a direct result of employment, were included.

Results: Among 6,730 included patients, 6,480 were male (96.3%), and the median age was 32 years (interquartile range 12; range 18–60). The most common causes of injury were direct trauma (30.1%), falls (25.6%), and sharp objects (20.5%). Isolated soft tissue injury was the predominant injury type (69.7%). Hospital admission occurred in 896 patients (13.3%), and 66 (1.0%) required intensive care unit (ICU) admission, most commonly due to head injuries. Eight deaths were recorded (0.1%), predominantly following falls and head
trauma. Cause of injury was significantly associated with injury type and ICU admission (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Occupational injuries presenting to this ED predominantly affected young male workers, with direct trauma, falls, and sharp-object injuries being the leading mechanisms. Head injuries were strongly associated with ICU admission and death, highlighting the need for strengthened workplace safety measures, enhanced surveillance, and a national occupational injury registry.

Keywords: Occupational injuries, work place injuries, UAE, emergency department, tertiary care hospital, Dubai.