Multiple jobholder mortality patterns in Kentucky: An examination of occupational fatalities

Background: The percentage of multiple jobholders was elevated in Kentucky compared to the US from 2002 to 2010. Methods: Kentucky Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) multiple jobholder fatality data were analyzed to identify contributing injury factors from 2002 to 2010. Results: Kentucky's total occupational fatality rates were higher than US rates for all years (2002-2010). Kentucky multiple jobholder fatalities averaged 8.4 deaths per 100,000 employees compared to the total average occupational fatality rate of 6.5. Almost half of multiple jobholder fatalities (47%) occurred in the agricultural industry and management occupation as the primary industry and occupation; 67% were tractor-related. The most prevalent secondary industry and occupation were the construction industry and management occupation. Conclusions: Increased surveillance of multiple jobholder injuries is needed to improve safety and health on the job. Future investigations should include the relationship between multiple jobholding and agricultural employment as farm owners. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:881-888, 2013.