O-081 EPIDEMIOLOGICAL TRENDS OF AGE-STANDARDIZED RATES FOR WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS IN JAPAN (2012–2019)

Introduction The aging workforce in Japan poses a growing concern regarding its potential impact on workplace accidents. Nevertheless, there is a lack of epidemiological studies analyzing statistical trends in workplace accidents at the national level. Methods We conducted a trend analysis using publicly available national data spanning 2012 to 2019 in Japan. Using age-stratified annual data and statistics from the Reports of Occupational Accidents and Diseases, sourced from the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, we examined occupational fatalities and workplace accidents requiring a leave of four or more days. Age-standardized rates (ASRs) were calculated using the direct method with 10-year age categories. Temporal trends were assessed with Joinpoint regression analysis. Results Occupational fatalities exhibited a significant ASR decline, with an annual percent change (APC) of 5.1% (95% CI 6.8–3.3). However, no significant changes in ASR for overall workplace accidents were observed. Furthermore, when categorized by industry, the healthcare sector demonstrated an increasing ASR trend, with an APC of 2.2% (95% CI 1.1–3.3). Discussion and conclusion This study is the first to report the epidemiological trend in workplace accidents in Japan. The findings indicate a positive outcome in the reduction of occupational fatalities in Japan, possibly attributable to improved safety measures and awareness. However, the stability in overall workplace accident rates suggests a need for targeted interventions to mitigate accident risks in the aging workforce, especially in industries with increasing trends, such as healthcare.