Violent Deaths Among Georgia Workers

• Published in: American journal of preventive medicine 2016-11, Vol.51 (5), p.S241-S250
• Main Authors: Lavender, Antionette, MPH, Ramirez-Irizarry, Viani, MPH, Bayakly, A. Rana, MPH, Koplan, Carol, MD, Bryan, J. Michael, MPH
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Internal Medicine
• ISSN: 0749-3797; 1873-2607
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2016.07.025

Introduction Workers in certain occupations may be at an increased risk of a violent-related death such as homicide or suicide. The purpose of this study is to describe rates of violent deaths among Georgia workers by occupation, including cases occurring at work and outside of the workplace, and identify leading circumstances surrounding suicides and homicides for the occupations most at risk. Methods Data from the 2006–2009 Georgia Violent Death Reporting System were used. Occupational text fields were recoded into 23 major occupation categories based on the 2010 Standard Occupational Classification system. Crude rates and standardized mortality ratios for violent deaths (suicides and homicides) were calculated by occupation among Georgia workers aged ≥16 years. The leading circumstances precipitating violent deaths among the high-risk occupations were described. Analyses were conducted during 2012–2013 and 2015. Results A total of 4,616 Georgia resident workers were victims of a violent death during 2006–2009. Of these deaths, 2,888 (62.6%) were suicides and 1,728 (37.4%) were homicides. Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations had the highest rate of violent deaths at 80.5 per 100,000 workers followed by construction and extraction occupations at 65.5 per 100,000. The most common suicide circumstances among workers were having a current depressed mood, a current mental health problem, and an intimate partner problem. Conclusions Use of the Violent Death Reporting System provides a unique opportunity to explore violent deaths among workers. This analysis shows the need to ensure that workers have access to workplace and community-based suicide and violence prevention services.