A Cross-sectional Analysis of Acute Injuries Among US Coast Guard Responders to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Objective: We investigated factors associated with acute injury among US Coast Guard responders to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Methods: Self-reported data across five domains (demographic, operational, military, environmental, and comorbidities) were evaluated as potential risk factors for self-reported injuries experienced while deployed (slips, trips, and falls and penetrating injuries). Adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results: Factors associated with slips, trips, and falls included increasing age, Hispanic ethnicity, Unknown race/ethnicity, service in the Selected Reserve, junior enlisted rank, engaging in operational response duties over longer durations, self-reported crude oil exposure, use of heat-susceptible personal protective equipment, musculoskeletal symptoms, reduced sleep, and high overall exposure based on a latent class variable. Factors associated with penetrating injuries were similar, though also included time outdoors and fatigue. Conclusions: The environment defined by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill was associated with increased acute injury prevalence in oil spill responders.