Road accidents, an occupational risk

Fort, Emmanuel; Pourcel, Laure; Davezies, Philippe; Renaux, Camille; Chiron, Mireille; Charbotel, Barbara · 2010 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2010.06.001

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Summary

This study investigates the role of work-related risk factors in the occurrence of occupational road accidents, which account for 20% to 40% of work fatalities in industrialized countries. Despite their prevalence, few studies have examined occupational determinants beyond immediate driving conditions. The research aimed to identify and quantify how working conditions, such as scheduling, autonomy, and physical constraints, influence accident risk. The researchers conducted a case-control study in France, recruiting 146 cases from the Rhône Road Trauma Registry and 440 matched controls from electoral voting lists. Controls were matched by residence, sex, and age, and were required to be employed and accident-free for the preceding year. Data were collected via telephone interviews using a structured questionnaire developed after a preliminary qualitative study. Exposure to road risk was measured as the percentage of work time spent traveling. Statistical analysis employed conditional logistic regression, adjusting for road risk exposure to isolate specific occupational factors. The results indicated that accident risk increased with road risk exposure. After adjustment, several significant occupational risk factors emerged. Scheduling issues were prominent: inflexible schedules set by the company, lack of consecutive rest days, and severe consequences for lateness (particularly regarding superiors) significantly increased risk. Low autonomy was also a key determinant; workers with imposed task orders and rhythms faced higher risks, whereas the ability to take work home was protective. Additionally, low seniority in the job type, low educational level, and physical constraints—specifically carrying heavy objects and exposure to dirt, draughts, bad smells, or low temperatures—were associated with increased accident likelihood. Communication difficulties with superiors also contributed to risk. Conversely, company size and contract type did not show significant independent effects after adjustment. The study concludes that occupational road accident risk is strongly linked to poor working conditions, particularly lack of schedule flexibility, low autonomy, and physical discomfort. These findings suggest that prevention strategies should extend beyond driver training to include organizational changes, such as improving schedule negotiation, enhancing worker autonomy, and addressing physical workplace hazards. The authors note that while the case-control design provides valuable insights, further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these associations.

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• shift work driving

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• Empirical Findings: crash risk outcomes, observational prevalence