Incidence of Work-Related Injuries by Age and Economic Sector Among Men and Women in Ecuador

Abstract

Objective: Demographic transition in Ecuador is reshaping the age structure of the workforce. The analysis of administrative records makes it possible to identify age-related differences in incidence and prevention needs among workers. The aim of this study was to estimate differences in the incidence of work-related injuries according to age, sex and economic sector in Ecuador.

Methods: Aggregated data from the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute for 2015–2024 were analyzed. Data included certified occupational injury cases and registered employment among workers affiliated with social security. Incidence rates and incidence rate ratios were calculated, using workers aged 35–44 years as the reference group. Analyses were stratified by sex and economic sector.

Results: The association between age and incidence was heterogeneous across economic sectors and by sex. In men, a decreasing age gradient was observed, with a relative excess incidence of 51% in those aged 15–24 years and 28% in those aged 25–34 years, compared with those aged 35–44 years, across most sectors—particularly electricity, gas and water; transport; commerce; services; and manufacturing. In women, relative excess incidence was concentrated in the 25–34-year age group (15%), with variable sector-specific patterns: higher relative incidence in commerce, transport, and services at younger ages, and in mining at older ages.

Conclusions: The findings support prioritizing prevention among younger workers and strengthening age-focused surveillance in the context of an aging workforce, however more specific analyses are needed to explain these differences.