Frequency and Cost of Claims by Injury Type From the Korea Workers' Compensation Insurance Between 2016 and 2019

J Occup Environ Med. 2023 May 1;65(5):e306-e311. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002814. Epub 2023 Feb 20.

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the frequency of worker injuries by affected body part(s) and the associated costs. Methods : We performed a secondary analysis of national workers' compensation claims data from the Korean workers' compensation insurance. The main outcome measures were frequency and cost of claims by injury type. Results : Multiple injuries were ranked as the highest injury type in the number of annual claims and percentage of the total cost/total medical cost. Hand/wrist/finger was the most common single-injury type. The frequency of injury type and the cost amount payable as a percentage of the total cost were the highest for multiple injuries, hand/wrist/finger injuries, and knee/lower leg injuries. Conclusions : Regarding frequency and costs, hand/wrist/finger injuries were highest in cost, by single-injury type. Therefore, these injuries should be recognized as intervention targets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Finger Injuries*
  • Humans
  • Multiple Trauma*
  • Republic of Korea / epidemiology
  • Workers' Compensation