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U. S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
W. B. W ILSON, Secretary

BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
ETHELBERT STEWART, Commissioner

BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES 1
j \T~
(2
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS/ • • * • ] 1>U . £ / 0
IN D U S T R IA L

A C C ID E N T S

AND

H Y G IE N E

S T A N D A R D IZ A T IO N
T R IA L A C C ID E N T

SE R IE S

O F IN D U S
S T A T IS T IC S

REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON STATISTICS
AND COMPENSATION INSURANCE COST OF THE
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INDUSTRIAL
ACCIDENT BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, 1915-1919

r y

DECEM BER, 1920

WASHINGTON,
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
1920

CONTENTS.
Page.

Introduction...........................................................................................................
5-8
Historical review of the work of the committee on statistics and compensation
insurance cost......................................................................................................... 8-16
Organization of permanent committee..................................... .....................10-16
Standardization of definitions and industrial accident reports............................. 16-26
Definitions.......................................................................................................... 16-18
Standard definitions adopted by the committee..................................... 17,18
Accident reports.....................................*.......................................................... 19-26
Standard bill for industrial accident reports............................................ 19, 20
Standard forms for accident reports.......................................................... 21,22
First report of accident to employee.................................................
21
Final report on nonfatal accidents....................................................
22
Supplementary report on fatal accidents..........................................
22
Time of reporting accidents....................................................................... 22-26
Provisions as to industrial accident reporting in the various States
and in the provinces of Canada...................................................... 23-26
Classification of industries........................................................................................ 26-32
Summary of divisions, schedules, and groups.................................. ............. 29-32
Classification of causes of accidents......................................................................... 32-51
General cause classification............. .. ............................................................ 36-51
Machinery................................ .................................................................. 36-45
Vehicles........................................................................................................45,47
Explosions, electricity, fires, and hot substances.................................... 47, 48
Poisonous and corrosive substances and occupational diseases..............
48
Falls of persons.. . . . . ......... ^
........................................................................ 48, 49
Stepping on or striking against objects.....................................................
49
Falling objects (not being handled by injured)...................................... 49, 50
Handling of objects.................................................................................... 50, 51
Hand tools....................................................................................................
51
Animals........................................................................................................
51
Miscellaneous causes...................................................................................
51
Location and nature of injury and extent of disability......................................... 52-55
Multiple injuries............................................................................................... .
53
Classification by location of injury................................................................... 53, 54
Classification by nature of injury....................................................................
54
Classification by extent of disability................................................................
55
Classification by degree of partial disability...................................................
55
Standard tables for accident and compensation statistics..................................... 55-68
Table 1.—Frequency of accidents, by industries and extent of disability.
57
57
Table 2.-—Severity of injuries, by industries and extent of disability........
Table 3.—Causes of accidents, by extent of disability.................................
58
Table 4.—Compensation and medical aid incurred on account of accidents,
by extent of disability................................................................
59
Table 5.—Compensation and medical aid incurred on account of occupa
tional diseases, by extent of disability......................................
60
Table 6.—Permanent partial disabilities, by location of injury and per
centage of impairment of member.............................................
61
Table 7.—Permanent disabilities, by percentage of impairment of earningcapacity ........................................................................................
61
Table 8.—Infected injuries, by nature of injury and extent of resulting
disability......................................................................................
62
Table 9.—Nature of injury, by cause.............................................................
63
Table 10.—Accidents, by nature and location of injury and extent of dis
ability...........................................................................................
63
Table 11.—Sex and wages of injured...............................................................
64
Table 12.—Sex and age of injured....................................................................
64

CO N TE N TS.

Standard tables for accident and compensation statistics—Concluded
Page.
Table 13.—Cost of medical and hospital treatment, by nature of injury and
amount of medical aid per case..................................................
65
Table 14.—Duration of total disability in permanent partial disability
cases, by nature of permanent disability..................................
66
Table 15.—Summary of condition of industrial cripples as disclosed by
investigation one year after injury............................................
67
Individual record for industrial cripple cases.......................................... 67, 68
Table 16.—Summary of remarriage experience of each widow to whom com
pensation awards have been made, for each year, by age of
widow at death of husband.........................................................
68
Standard method of computing frequency and severity rates............................... 68-77
Accident frequency............................................................................................ 69, 70
Accident severity......................................................................................... .
71
73
Temporary disabilities........................................................................ .
Fatalities..................................................................................................... 73,74
Permanent disabilities.............................................................................. 74-76
Disability for particular occupations not considered..............................
76
Summary..................................................................................................... 76, 77
Appendix I.—Methods of comparing compensation cost................................... 78-84
Appendix II.—Cause of injury code in use by the United States Employees’
Compensation Commission and several of the States........... 85-97
Appendix III.—Compensation for occupational diseases...................................... 98, 99
Appendix IV .—Occupational disease code........................................................ 101-100

BULLETIN OF THE

U. S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
N O . 276.

___________________ WASHINGTON.

DECEM BER, 1920.

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.
INTRODUCTION.
Each year since its creation in 1915 the committee on statistics
and compensation insurance cost has submitted to the International
Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions a report
of the work accomplished during the year. These reports have been
published from time to time by the United States Bureau of Labor
Statistics. The first report appeared in the Monthly Labor Review
for November, 1915. The second was published in 1916 as Bulletin
No. 201 of the Bureau. The third report is contained in the pro
ceedings of the 1917 meeting of the association, which were published
as Bulletin No. 248. It was also printed in the Monthly Labor
Review for October, 1917. The proceedings of the fifth annual
meeting of the association, published as Bulletin No. 264 of the
Bureau, contain the fourth report of the committee. The fifth and
latest report appeared in the proceedings of the sixth annual meet
ing of the association, published as Bulletin No. 273 of the Bureau.
In addition to the reports of the committee on statistics and com
pensation insurance cost, the Bureau published in Bulletin No. 157
the work of the several preliminary committees on standardization
of industrial accident statistics.
In order to make more readily available to administrators and
students the very valuable definitions, recommendations, and infor
mation contained in these scattered reports, they have been revised
to date and combined in this bulletin. It is hoped that the more
convenient arrangement will lead to a more general adoption and
use of the recommendations of the committee by the compensation
States.
Statistics and statisticians are not held in high esteem. Many
people, including legislators and administrators who are most in
need of the facts which can be shown in a comprehensive and com
prehensible way only by means of statistics, regard statistics as dry
and useless arrays of figures. Real statistics are absolutely indispens
able for the intelligent and systematic carrying on of .business, both
public and private, and they need not and should not be dull and
dry as dust. Statistical compilations consist in the orderly classifi
cation, comprehensible presentation, and intelligent analysis of a
large number of facts or cases so as to show their bearing upon
some problem or problems. The difference which distinguishes
statistics from mere agglomerations of figures consists in the methods
of treatment and arrangement. The bulky and ill-arranged tomes,

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

purporting to present statistical information, which are issued by too
many State and Federal departments are of little or no value. Such
expensively compiled volumes and libraries of figures are not truly
statistics at all. Statistics have fallen into disrepute because of the
incompetence of the compilers of so-called “ statistics,” their ped
antry, their ignorance of the real nature of the material and the
problems with which they have to deal, and their inability to select
and classify facts and to show their significant characteristics in an
intelligible and interesting manner. Some real statistics are dry and
can not be otherwise because of the nature of the subject matter with
which they deal, but statistics which deal with life and death, health
and sickness, income and outgo, what we eat and wherewithal we are
clothed are as full of interest and meaning as life itself.
No department of statistical inquiry more closely touches the
public weal than the study of personal injuries by accident. Sta
tistics of industrial accidents should serve for accident prevention,
for the due administration and intelligent revision of workmen’s
compensation laws, and for the computation of compensation insur
ance rates. For accident prevention it is needful to know how and
why accidents occur. For the better administration of workmen’s
compensation laws it is necessary to have an accurate statistical
record of the disposal of compensation cases— not only the compara
tively few cases which are formally passed upon by the administra
tive board but the immensely larger number of claims which are
settled between the parties with only a pro forma administrative
approval. For the intelligent enactment and revision of compensa
tion legislation legislators must know the number and character of
accidental injuries, the extent of wage loss, and the cost in per cent
of pay roll of any proposed scale of benefits. Lastly, for the com
putation of insurance rates it is necessary to have not only the actual
pure premiums by industries but a detailed analysis of the accidents
which occasion the pure premiums.
To serve these ends, accident statistics must be analyzed by
industry, by cause of accident, and by nature and location of injury
and extent of disability, and must be so cross analyzed as to show
the correlation of each of these sets of facts with every other. Still
other analyses are necessary. It is important to know the number,
ages, and relationships of dependents in fatal cases and the age and
wage groups of the injured in all cases. In certain industries an
occupational analysis will be of value. It goes without saying also
that the pay-roll exposure should be obtained by industries, and
that the wage loss and the amount of compensation and of medical
aid should be shown by industry, by cause of accident, and by nature
and location of injury and extent of disability. Many other statistical
studies will prove necessary for particular purposes. Nevertheless,the classifications by industry, cause, and nature and extent of injury
are primary. Faulty analysis in these respects will vitiate the whole
statistical output. Vice versa, if these fundamental classifications
are sound and adequate, everything else can be added as opportunity
and occasion arise.
The most cursory examination will show that the official indus
trial accident statistics of the United States are lamentably weak
in just these vital particulars. No one State has yet published sta
tistics that are at all adequate to its own needs, and no two States

rtfTRODUCTIOET.

have produced results that are in any way comparable. ^ One State
department follows the census classification of industries, another
uses the schedules of the old liability manual, a third the literal
classifications of the compensation insurance manual. The classi
fication of accident causes is sometimes so meager as to be of little
value for prevention, sometimes so prolix and ill digested as to afford
no comprehensive view. The classification of injuries ranges from
the simple division into fatal and nonfatal to an individual list of
permanent disabilities— the mere raw material of statistics. While
weightier matters have been thus neglected, much time and labor
have been expended upon such unprofitable subjects as race, conju
gal condition, day of the month, day of the week, and hour of the
day.
In the five years of its work, the results of which are set forth in
this bulletin, the committee on statistics and compensation insurance
cost has attempted to overcome in some degree this lack of uni
formity and comparability of accident reports and statistics. Its
work of standardization may properly be classified as follows:
(1) Standardization of definitions and accident reporting practices.
(2) Classification of industries according to the nature of the business.
(3) Classification of the causes of accidents.
(4) Classification of accident by location and nature of injury and extent of disa
bility.
(5) Formulation of standard tables for the presentation of accident statistics.
(6) Determination of a proper base for the computation of accident rates.
(7) Formulation of a standard scale of weights designed to express the severity of
accidental injuries in terms of time loss.
(8) Determination of a standard method for computing compensation insurance costs.

The classifications are not presented as perfect or the embodiment
of all wisdom. They are necessarily the result of compromise. The
committee had to consider, on the one hand, the requirements of
scientific classification, and, on the other hand, the limitations of
time and means at the disposal of administrative boards. Due
regard for these limitations enforced the omission of much detail
which may be within the reach of some favored States and which
is very desirable for certain purposes.
Nevertheless, the committee believe that these classifications will
serve the most important immediate needs of industrial accident
statistics. They are the fruit of much thought and discussion by
experienced statisticians. They embody the best that could be found
in the official classifications of the United States and Europe. Fur
ther improvement may well be left to further experience.
All of the classifications herewith recommended are designed to
admit of expansion or contraction, according to the varied needs
and facilities of different administrative boards. If a particular
board is unable to undertake more, the industry groups will suffice
for many purposes and will facilitate comparisons with the accident
statistics of other States. In the same manner the classification of
accident causes can at need be limited to the primary and secondary
divisions of the standard classification. However, if a State has the
means, the items may be expanded to any desired extent within the
general framework without impairing the comparability of the basic
tables which all States, it is to be hoped, will be able to work up.
Every capable statistician will naturally undertake such expansion
as may be suitable to his own problems and the facilities placed at

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS,

his disposal. There are somewhat narrow limits to the detail which
can with advantage he shown in general tables, but no classification
can be too detailed or too specific for the needs of accident-prevention work in particular industries. It should be remembered, more
over, that the combination of separate items in a detailed code is
always easy, whereas the separation of items that are shown only
in combination is impossible.
Next to the use of standard classifications, nothing will contribute
so much to the value of statistical reports as uniform and effective
organization and presentation of the material. Conversely, the lack
of any standard organization has detracted greatly from the useful
ness of most statistical reports heretofore published by the several
States. In many cases essential information which was available in
the files of the board or commission is not disclosed by the published
reports, because the statistician did not perceive the significance of
the facts in his possession. Sixteen standard tables, thoroughly
worked out, will present more information in far more accessible
form than is ordinarily contained in ten times the bulk of printed
matter. Such standard tables have been formulated by the com
mittee and are presented herewith on pages 55 to 68.
The committee has likewise devoted much time to the consider
ation of accident severity, with a view to obtaining a standard
measure of industrial hazard. The committee does not claim per
fection for the severity rating scheme it has adopted. Intelligent
opinion will differ on many of the points involved. The relative
severity of accidental injuries must always be a matter for experi
enced judgment rather than mathematical calculation. For that
very reason, however, the collective judgment of competent statis
ticians is a safer guide than the opinion of the best informed indi
vidual. Above all, the problem is one in which uniformity is more
important than meticulous accuracy. If the schedule of relative
weights is reasonable upon the whole, and is uniformly applied, the
results will be sufficiently accurate for all practical purposes. For
the table showing days of disability for specific permanent injuries
see page 77.
At a special meeting held at Harrisburg, Pa., December 4-5, 1919,
the committee undertook for the first time to formulate a standard
method of computing compensation insurance costs. (For a resume
of the committee/s work see pages 78 to 84.)

H T R A R V W O TH WORK O TH C M ITTE .
IS O IC L E IE F E
F E OM E
PRELIMINARY CONFERENCES.

The practical difficulties in the way of making comparisons of the
accident statistics of various countries made the subject of uniform
accident reporting and standard methods of tabulation and analysis
one of serious concern to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics
for several years. A conference of labor and workmen’s compensa
tion officials and others interested in this subject was called by Com
missioner Meeker, chiefly for the purpose of devising a plan for
standardizing forms and methods of reporting and tabulating accident
statistics collected by the Federal and State labor bureaus and
workmen’s compensation commissions. The first meeting of this

HISTORICAL REVIEW OF WORK OF COMMITTEE.

conference was held in New York City on February 26, 1914. The
subjects discussed in detail at that time were (1) the definition of a
reportable accident; (2) the unit of risk; (3) the classification of
industries; (4) the computation of accident rates; (5) accident report
forms; and (6) the time of reporting accidents.
A t the second meeting of the conference, held in New York City
on April 10, 1914, the following additional matters were taken up:
(1) The method of reporting accidents causing a disability of less
than that specified in the adopted definition of a reportable accident;
(2) the classification of accidents according to their consequences;
and (3) the -standard method of determining the average number of
men exposed to risk.
The third meeting of the conference was held at Harrisburg, Pa.,
September 2, 1914, in conjunction with the committee on standard
forms for accident reporting, of the National Safety Council. The
chief business of the conference was the consideration of a revision
of the standard accident report form. The requirements of certain
State laws made it necessary to adopt a standard form considerably
at variance with that recommended by the earlier conferences.
The conference held its fourth meeting in Chicago on October 12
and 13, 1914. There were present at this meeting, in addition to
representatives of official bodies handling accident statistics, members
of the committee on standard forms of the National Safety Coun
cil, representatives of the Workmen’s Compensation Service Bureau,
of insurance companies, and of employers.1 A definition of re
portable accidents was decided upon and the following subjects were
taken up for consideration: (1) Classification of accidents according
to their consequences, (2) the time of reporting accidents, (3) the
basis to be used for computing the average number of men, and (4)
the basis for computation of accident rates. The conference also
adopted a form of report to be recommended for first reports of acci
dents. A t this meeting two committees were appointed by Commis
sioner Meeker, one on the nature and extent of injury, the other on a
classification of causes of accidents.
The committee on standard classification of causes of accidents2
met at the same place and time. At that meeting this committee
1 The minutes of the meeting give the following list of persons present:
Representatives of official bodies handling accident statistics.—R oyal Meeker, U. S. Commissioner of Labor
Statistics; C. H. Verrill, U . S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: A. H. Fay; H. M. Wilson; F. M. Wilcox; J. M.
Sampson, U . S. Bureau of Mines; J. B. Vaughn: P. J. Angsten; Robert Eadie; W. V. Conley; Thomas A.
M urphy, Industrial Board of Illinois; Edw in Mulready, Commissioner of Labor, Massachusetts; Richard
L. Drake, Michigan Industrial Accident Board; Fred C. Croxton, Industrial Commission of Ohio; A. R.
Houck; L ew R . Palmer, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry; E. H. Downey; W. H. Burhop,
Wisconsin Industrial Commission.
Members of national council of safety committee on standard forms.—0. L. Close, United States Steel Corpo
ration; James B. Douglas, United Gas Improvement Co.; Frederick L. Hoffman, Prudential Insurance Co.;
W. B. Spaulding, St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Co.
Representative of committee on standard schedules, American Association for Labor Legislation.—Dr. John
B. Andrews.
Representatives of Workmen’s Compensation Service Bureau, insurance companies, and employers.—Albert:
W. W hitney, C. E. Scattergood, C. M. Hanson, Workmen’s Compensation Service Bureau, New York
City; E. G. Trimble, E mployers’ Indemnity Corporation, Kansas City, M o.; Louis I. Dublin, Metropolitan
Life Insurance Co.; D udley R . K ennedy, Youngstown Sheet and Tube Co., Youngstown, Ohio; George
T. Fonda, Bethlehem Steel Co.; R. C. Richards, Chicago & North Western Railway Co.; Dr. D. Z. Dunott,
Western Maryland Railway Co.
2 The personnel of that committee was as follows: L. W. Hatch, chief statistician Bureau of Statistics
and Information, N ew York State Department of Labor, chairman; F. C. Croxton, chief statistician
Industrial Commission of Ohio; E. H. D owney, chief statistician Wisconsin Industrial Commission;
A. R. Houck, chief Bureau of Statistics, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry; Robert E.
Grandfield,secretary Massachusetts Industrial Accident Board; A. H. F a y , mining engineer, U nited States
Bureau of Mines; C. E. Scattergood, chairman statistical committee, Workmen’s Compensation Service
Bureau, New York; C. L. Close, member of the committee on standard forms for accident reporting of the
National Council for Industrial Safety, New York; W. J. Meyers, statistician U nited States Interstate
Commerce Commission; Royal Meeker, U nited States Commissioner of Labor Statistics.

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

defined the primary cause of accident and decided upon a tentative
classification of accidents, by causes.
The committee on standard classification of industries 3 met in New
York on December 1 and 2, 1914, and agreed upon a tentative classi
fication of industries. The committee considered the possibility of
a single classification of industries for the purposes of all accident
and industrial statistics and made considerable progress toward such
a standard classification.
ORGANIZATION OF PERMANENT COMMITTEE.

In April, 1914, at a meeting held in Lansing, Mich., the National
Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions was
organized “ to bring into closer relation with one another the various
boards and commissions administering compensation laws in the
United States and to effect so far as possible uniformity of legislation
and administration of such laws and to encourage and give effect to
all measures looking toward the prevention of accidents and the safe
guarding of plants and machinery.”
A special meeting of this association called for the purpose of
considering the standardization of accident statistics was held in
Chicago, January 12, 1915.a At this meeting the committee on sta
tistics and compensation insurance c o st4 was created. This com
mittee was charged with the duty of preparing as expeditiously as
possible the following reports:
(1) Uniform tables for the establishment of compensation costs.
(2) Uniform classification of industries.
(3) Uniform classification of causes of accidents.
(4) Uniform classification of nature of injuries.
The committee was directed without further authority to send a copy
of these reports to each melnber of the association, and to make a
final report at the regular meeting of the association in SepteXnber,
1915 .

The committee on statistics and compensation insurance cost met
at Chicago on January 13, 1915, following the meeting of the associa
tion and discussed the scope of its work. It adopted the definitions,
the classification of causes of accidents and the primary and secondary
headings of the classification of industries prepared by the conferences
and committees appointed by Commissioner Meeker, already men
tioned.
The chairman of the committee called a second meeting at
Columbus, Ohio, on July 21, 1915. The purpose of this meeting was
a The proceedings of this meeting were published under title: Workmen’s compensation, statistics and
ocst. Proceedings of special meeting of National Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Com
missions. [Cihcago, 1915.] 58 pp.
sThe personnel of this committee was as follows: E. H. Downey, chief statistician Wisconsin Industrial
Commission, chairman; F. C. Croxton, chief statistician Industrial Commission of Ohio; L. W. Hatch,
chief statistician Bureau of Statistics and Information, New York State Department of Labor; W . N.
Magoun, Insurance Department of Massachusetts; Alba M. Edwards, United States Bureau of the Census;
C. E. Scattergood, chairman statistical committee, Workmen’s Compensation Service Bureau, New York
City; W. J. Meyers, statistician United States Interstate Commerce Commission; Royal Meeker, United
States Commissioner of Labor Statistics. The committee also had the assistance in its discussions of A.
H. Fay, United States Bureau of Mines, and I. M. Rubinow, Ocean Accident Guarantee Corporation,
New York City.
<The personnel of this committee was as follows: E. H. Downey, chief statistician Wisconsin Indus
trial Commission,chairman; Fred C. Croxton, chief statistician Ohio.Industrial Commission; Floyd L.
Daggett, chairman Washington State Industrial Insurance Commission; W. N. Magoun, chief of Work
men’s Compensation Bureau, Massachusetts Insurance Department; Royal Meeker, United States Com
missioner of Labor Statistics; Robert K. Orr, manager Michigan State Accident Fund, secretary; H. E.
Ryan, associate actuary, New York Insurance Department.

HISTORICAL REVIEW OE WORK OF COMMITTEE.

to consider the work so far accomplished by the committee and its
individual members and to advance the work sufficiently so that a
definite report might be made to the association at its second annual
meeting in Seattle, September 30 to October 2, 1915.
The committee felt that a far more satisfactory result would be
accomplished in the time at its disposal, prior to the annual meeting,
if it investigated one of the above subjects and presented a complete
report thereof, than would be attained by a preliminary survey of all
four subjects with no definite conclusions m respect to any. The
committee therefore devoted its entire attention to the uniform
classification of industries, believing this to be the subject most
needing immediate attention.
Various State insurance departments and rating bureaus, actuarial
societies and insurance companies writing workmen’s compensation
insurance were interested in the subject. The National Workmen’s
Compensation Service Bureau of New York and several State rating
bureaus already had prepared industrial classifications for their own
use. A conference for harmonizing existing groupings appeared to be
essential. Under the auspices of the Casualty Actuarial and
Statistical Society of America, therefore, a committee of three met in
New York City on September 14, 15, and 16, 1915.5
This Conference for the consideration of classification groupings
availed itself of the valuable advice and assistance of safety engineers
familiar with industrial plants and processes.6 The committee spent
three entire days in considering the classification groupings. The
classification code of the workmen’s compensation service bureau
was altered in some particulars, the classification groupings of
industries as adopted by the committee at Columbus were somewhat
modified, and certain suggestions made by the Massachusetts Rating
and Inspection Bureau were incorporated. The final result was an
agreement by the conference committee on a complete list of divi
sions, schedules, and groups acceptable to the representative of each
organization present. This table, which the committee on statistics
and compensation insurance cost approved and presented as part of
its first report,® was adopted by the International Association of
Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions at its second annual
meeting held in Seattle, September 30 to October 2, 1915.
The classification groupings were drawn up in accordance with the
following arrangement :
Divisions.
Schedules.
Groups.
Classifications.
Divisions.— There were seven principal divisions or primary head
ings corresponding to those adopted by the committee appointed by
Dr. Meeker, already referred to.
5 The committee consisted of Leonard W . Hatch, chief statistician Industrial Commission of New York,
authorized to represent the committee on statistics and compensation insurance cost of the National Asso
ciation of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions; I. M. Rubinow, chief statistician Ocean Accident
and Guarantee Corporation (L td.), authorized to represent the Workmen’s Compensation Service Bureau
of New York; W. N . Magoun, head of the workmen s compensation bureau, Massachusetts insurance
department, authorized to represent the Massachusetts R ating and Inspection Bureau.
6 These experts were: W illiam Newell, safety engineer, N ew York State Insurance Fund; Grant Earl,
chief inspector W orkmen’s Compensation Service Bureau of New York; W illiam B. Shoe, chief safety
engineer Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corporation (L td.); D avid S. Beyer, head of the Accident Pre
vention Department, Massachusetts Employee’s Insurance Association.
a This report was published in full in the M onthly Review of the U nited States Bureau of Labor Sta
tistics for November, 1915, pp. 28-37.

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

Schedules.— The seven divisions were divided into schedules
corresponding to the secondary headings of the same committee.
These secondary headings explain the details into which the primary
headings were separated.
Groups.— The groups headings were considered the most important
in the series and showed a refinement of the secondary headings.
Each group heading was intended to be significant of the industries
covered under it.
Classifications.— The final subdivision consisted of the classifica
tions of industries appearing in the manuals used by insurance com
panies in connection with their writing of workmen’s compensation
insurance.
After the approval of these classifications by the association the
committee on statistics and compensation insurance cost gave some
attention to the revision of the final subdivisions of classifications
under each of the various industry groups, and undertook the prep
aration of classifications of causes of accidents and of nature of
injuries. The committee met in New York City February 3 and 4,
1916, in a joint session with representatives of the Casualty Actuarial
and Statistical Society of America and the Workmen’s Compensa
tion Service Bureau. This meeting was devoted entirely to the dis
cussion of the classification of causes of accidents. The classification
of causes included in the preliminary report of the committee on clas
sification of causes, appointed in accordance with the action of the
joint conference held at Chicago, October 12 and 13, 1914, was
taken as the basis of discussion and was accepted in large part by
the committee. A second meeting was held at Columbus, Ohio,
February 21 and 22, 1916. Further consideration was given to the
classification of causes of accidents, and the classifications of accidents
by location and nature of injury and extent of disability were taken
up. The committee met for the third time in New York City, March
16, 1916, jointly with representatives of the Casualty Actuarial and
Statistical Society and the Workmen’s Compensation Service Bureau.
The meeting w devoted to a further discussion of the classification
^as
of industries and of causes of accidents. The final committee
meeting for the year was held at Philadelphia, March 31, and April
1, 1916. Four sessions were devoted to the discussion and final
revision of the classifications of causes of accident and of location
and nature of injury and extent of disability.
The result of these meetings was a second report of the committee
on statistics and compensation insurance cost® presented at the third
annual meeting of the association held at Columbus, Ohio, April
25-28, 1916. In this report the groups of industries were further
subdivided into classifications corresponding as nearly as possible
to the detailed classifications customarily used by the compensation
commissions and insurance companies in fixing premium rates.
There was also presented a classification of accident causes. The
committee recommended that accidents be uniformly assigned to
the proximate or immediate cause and adopted the definition of
proximate cause which the committee on standard classification of
a The report was published as Bulletin 201 of the U nited States Bureau of Labor Statistics (Industrial
accident and hygiene series, No. 9). The personnel of the committee was the same as that of the previous
committee (see footnote 4), except for the addition of two members, nam ely, L. W . H atch, chief statis
tician of the Industrial Commission, Albany, N . Y ., and E . E. Watson, Industrial Commission, Columbus,
Ohio.

HISTORICAL RE VIE V/ OF WORK OF COMMITTEE.

causes of accidents formulated at its October meeting in 1914/
The committee grouped the causes of accidents into 12 divisions.
These were subdivided into general classes. The general classes
were made more specific by a subclass division. The report also
included classifications of accidents by location and nature of injury
and extent of disability. The committee’s recommendations on the
above heads were officially adopted by the association and were
put into practical effect by the several States.
The succeeding year (1916-17) the committee held four meet
ings.8 The findings of the committee were embodied in its third
report which was submitted to the Boston meeting of the association
held August 21-25, 1917.° The report presented 13 standard statis
tical tables on accidents and compensation insurance cost recom
mended by the committee. It also contained a scheme of severity
weighting in terms of days lost as a standard measure of industrial
hazard. Standard definitions adopted by the committee, and
included in the report, covered among other subjects, tabulatable,
reportable, and compensable accidents, medical service, permanent
total disabilities, permanent partial disabilities, and accident fre
quency and severity rates.
Two meetings of the committee were held in 1918, these meetings
occupying some ten sessions covering four days. The fourth report
of the committee6 embodies the results of the work done at these
meetings. This report was presented to the International Associa
tion of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions and adopted
at its meeting held in Madison, Wis., on September 24-27, 1918.
The report was devoted largely to a revision of the classification of
the causes of accidents, with the addition of numerous explanatory
notes, the object of which was to make the interpretation and use
of the classifications by the various States more nearly uniform.
Some minor revisions of the classifications of accidents by location
and nature of injury and extent of disability were also made.
The committee gave some consideration to a revision of the in
dustry classification, but any extended alteration of these classifi
cations was so colossal a task that the committee made but slight
progress. The work of revision was taken up by an informal
committee, made up of several members of the committee on statis
tics and compensation insurance cost and representatives of the
National Reference Committee on Compensation Insurance Rates.9
This informal committee held several meetings and completed a
tentative revision of the industry classification which it submitted
i See pp. 9 and 10.
s These meetings were as follows: (1) Chicago, May 31 and June 1,1916; (2) Buffalo, N. Y ., Ju ly 19, 1916
(3)New York City, November 3 and 4, 1916; (4) Boston, Mass., April 18 and 19, 1917.
a This report was published in full in the Monthly Review of the U nited States Bureau of Labor Sta
tistics for October, 1917, pp. 123-143, and was also published separately. This committee consisted of
Messrs. Downey, Croxton, H aich. Meeker, and Watson, of the previous committee, and Mr. P. A. Brod
erick, Massachusetts Industrial Accident Board; Mr. T. N . Dean, Workmen’s Compensation Board of
Ontario; Mr. W. H. Burhop, Compensation Insurance Board of Wisconsin; Mr. C. II. Verrill, United
States Employees’ Compensation Commission, and Mr. Don L. Lescohier.
& This report was published in Bulletin 264 of the U nited States Bureau of Labor Statistics, pp. 83-104.
The personnel of the committee was identical with that of the previous committee, except that Mr. H. S.
Hanna, United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Mr. C. B. Hensley, California Industrial Accident
Commission, replaced Messrs. Croxton and Lescohier.
®The members of the informal committee were: E. H. Downey, special deputy Pennsylvania Insur
ance Department, chairman; L. W. Hatch, chief statistician New York Industrial Commission; C. H.
Verrill, member, U nited States Employees’ Compensation Commission; W. N . Magoun, general manager
Massachusetts Rating and Inspection Bureau; G. F. Michelbacher, actuary, National Workmen's Com
pensation Service Bureau. The following persons also attended certain sessions: J. V. Duffey; M. Meltzer,
statistician National Workmen’s Compensation Service Bureau; R. S. Elberty; G. C. K elly, general managei Pennsyvania Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau.

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

for the consideration of the committee on statistics.
However,
neither the informal committee nor the committee on statistics was
satisfied with this revision. The informal committee, therefore,
continued its work with the intention of submitting at a later date,
the final revision.
The fifth annual and latest report of the committee was submitted
to the Association at its sixth annual meeting, held at Toronto,
Canada, September 23-26, 1919. This report® included additional
standard tables relating to—
(1) Cost of medical and hospital treatment by nature of injury.
(2) Duration of total disability in permanent partial disability
cases.
(3) Outline of the essential information in an investigation of
industrial cripples.
(4) Outline of an American remarriage table for industrial acci
dent widows.
The committee recommended that the resolution of the associa
tion which was adopted at the Chicago meeting of January, 1915,
advising that nonfatal accidents be reported within seven days
after occurrence and fatal accidents within 24 hours after death,
be superseded by a new resolution to read as follows: “ Except as
State laws otherwise require, all reportable accidents shall be re
ported to the proper State authority within 48 hours after the occur
rence of the accident.” The committee also recommended for
adoption the classification of industries as revised by the informal
committee, pending the final revision by the committee on statistics.
Meetings of the committee were held in Harrisburg December
4 and 5, 1919. At these meetings the committee discussed the ad
visability of a change of the basis for computing accident frequency
and severity rates. The following resolution was adopted:
Resolved, T h a t a c c id e n t rates, b o th fre q u e n c y rates an d se v e rity rates, b e c o m
p u te d on th e basis of 1 ,0 0 0 h o u rs’ exp o su re in stead of 3 ,0 0 0 h ou rs’ exp o su re, as h ereto
fo re .10

The subject of a standard method of computing compensation
insurance costs was discussed at length, and a resolution was adopted
requesting the chairman to prepare a statement of the proper basis
of comparison of compensation costs under different systems and
different jurisdictions and to submit it to the committee for criticism
and revision. In accordance with the resolution, the chairman sent to
members of the committee his statement summarizing the discussion
and giving tentative conclusions of the committee on the subject of
compensation insurance costs. Later the chairman submitted a
final report embodying the suggestions of the committee and includ
ing tables for comparison of benefits between different acts.1
1
While the committee decided to defer any thoroughgoing revision
of the classification ol industries to a later meeting, some discussion
was had with a view to examining tentatively the policy which should
be followed in revision. The question was raised whether it was pos
sible to adopt any basis for the industrial classification which would
« Bulletin 273 of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics contains this report, see pp. 388-395.
The only change in the personnel of the committee at this tim e was the substitution of Mr. Carl Hook
stadt, U nited States Bureau of Labor Statistics, for Mr. H . S. Hanna.
10 For discussion of the changes in this unit of measure, see pp. 69 and 70.
11 This report was adopted as the com m ittee’s six th annual report to the association at the San Francisoo meeting, held September 20-24,1920, and is published as Appendix I of this Bulletin.

HISTORICAL REVIEW OF WORK OF COMMITTEE.

result in a greater degree of consistency. It was pointed out
that some classifications were based upon the materials used,
some upon the products made or produced, and some upon the pro
cesses employed. It was agreed, however, that the terminology com
monly used made it impossible to accept any single one of these bases
to the exclusion of the others.
The principal divisions or primary headings of the industry classi
fication were revised, the following being adopted:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.

Agriculture.
Forestry (including logging).
Fisheries.
Mining and quarrying (not including metallurgy).
Manufacturing.
Construction.
Transportation (including telephones and telegraph).
Trade.

A revision of the individual record accompanying Table 16 (see
p. 68), showing remarriage experience of widows to whom compensa
tion awards have been made, was also made at this meeting.
At its latest meeting, held in New York City February 12-13, 1920,
the committee again took up the detailed revision of the industry
classification, using as a working basis the classification of the so-called
informal committee. The classification finally agreed upon is pub
lished on pages 29 to 32 of this report. This "classification is recom
mended for use by statisticians until the committee completes its final
revision.
The standard form for first report of accident was revised at this
time, and two additional forms were adopted, namely, the standard
form for supplementary report on fatal accidents, and the form for a
final report in nonfatal accident cases.
The committee decided that the form “ compensable ” was to be
preferred to the term “ compensatable,” and recommended its adop
tion by accident boards and commissions.
The committee also discussed the necessity of emphasizing the fact
that for purposes of accurate statistical comparison the distinction
should be clearly made between compensable accidents and those
which were tabulatable but not of sufficient duration or severity to
be compensable.1
2
The committee on statistics and compensation insurance cost is to
continue its work. The need which was evident when the committee
was organized— that statistical methods be standardized to facilitate
comparisons and to aid the boards and commissions in administrative
work— becomes more and more pressing with the extension of work
men’s compensation laws. Progress in the standardization of acci
dent and compensation statistics is necessarily somewhat slow. The
reports of the various boards and commissions concerning the expe
rience as to accidents, compensation, medical and hospital treatment,
and administrative expenses are still very inadequate. There has not
been the promptness in making use of the committee’s recommenda
tions and in developing reports along the lines suggested which the
committee confidently had hoped for. State commissions and others
interested in compensation questions, especially such as concern the
amendment of laws, are constantly confronted with questions con-

J For discussion of this subject see page 56.
2

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

cerning which accurate information based 011 actual experience should
be available. Crude estimates which are sometimes only guesses and
even impressions are put forward as experience because the actual
facts of experience have not been studied and compiled in a systematic
manner. Commissions are, therefore, not in a position to profit with
reasonable promptness by their own experience or by that of other
boards. All this is chiefly due to a pennywise policy on the part of
the legislature or of the commission. It tends to inefficient and un
necessarily costfy administration, which in the long run may bring
discredit upon compensation laws.
The committee urges a continuous study of compensation experience
as the one safe guide to intelligent and efficient administration. As
the first step in this study, everything should be done to secure as far
as possible the general adoption and use of the tables which have
already been recommended by the committee with such elaboration
of detail as may be necessary to show most clearly the experience
under any particular compensation act and to exhibit the merits or
defects peculiar to the law.
The personnel of the present committee (1919) is as follows:
Mr. E. H. D o w n e y , Special Deputy Pennsylvania Insurance Department, Chairman.
Mr. L. W. H a t c h , Chief Statistician New York State Industrial Commission, Vice
Chairman.
Mr. C. H. V e r r i l l , Commissioner United Stales Employees9 Compensation Commis
sion, Secretary.
Miss I n e z F. C o o p e r , Statistician Wisconsin Industrial Commission.
M r . T . N . D e a n , Statistician Ontario Workmen’s Compensation Board.
Mr. R. J. Ho a g e , Statistician United States Employees' Compensation Commission.
Mr. C a r l H o o k s t a d t , Expert, United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Mr. W i l l i a m L e s l i e , Statistician New York State Insurance Department.
M r . R o y a l M e e k e r , Commissioner, United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Mr. R. M. P e n n o c k , Actuary Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
Mr. W. P. R a t l i f f , Statistician California Industrial Accident Commission.
Mr. O s c a r M. S u l l i v a n , Statistician Minnesota Department of Labor and Industries.
Mr. E. E. W a t s o n , Actuary Ohio Industrial Commission.

STANDARDIZATION OF DEFINITIONS AND INDUSTRIAL
ACCIDENT REPORTS.
DEFINITIONS.

One factor which has contributed largely to the lack of uniformity
in accident statistics has been the absence of standard definitions.
The necessity for such standardization was early recognized and
a beginning was made at the conferences held upon the initiative
of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics prior to the appoint
ment of the committee on statistics and compensation insurance
cost. The conference committee which met in Chicago in October,
1914,1 formulated the definition of “ reportable accident” which
3
was adopted in toto by the committee at its special meeting held
at Chicago in 1915, except that the word “ reportable ” was changed
to “ tabulatable.” In its second report made to the International
Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions in
1916, the committee recommended the definition of “ proximate
cause.”
* For history and personnel of this conference committee see p. 9.
3

STANDARDIZATION OF DEFINITIONS.

During the third year of its work, the committee considered very
carefully the question of a proper unit for measuring accident rates
and decided to adopt the only unit then in actual use, namely the
“ 300-day worker.” This unit together with definitions of reportable accidents, medical service, permanent total disability, and.
permanent partial disability were recommended by the committee
m its third report submitted to the Association at its fourth meet
ing held in Boston in August, 1917.
In its fifth report, made to the Association in 1919, the committee
recommended that the requirement concerning the time of report
ing accidents which had been adopted at its first meeting, namely,
that nonfatal accidents be reported within seven days after occur
rence and fatal accidents within 24 hours after death, be superseded
by the requirement that all reportable accidents be reported within
48 hours after the occurrence of the accident.
At a meeting held in New York City, February 12-13, 1920, the
committee defined a ucompensable accident” as one which is sub
ject to compensation under the law of a particular State, and agreed
to use the word “ compensable” as applied to industrial accidents
in preference to “ compensatable” or similar words. The committee
recommends this usage to accident boards and commissions.
At Harrisburg in December, 1919, the committee decided to change
the unit of measurement for computing accident frequency and sever
ity rates which it had recommended in 1917. The term “ 300-day
worker” gave rise to misunderstandings. Employers and employees
regarded it as implying that the desirable worlang day should be
10 hours and that the desirable number of working days in the year
should be 300. Because the “ 300-day worker” unit was misunder
stood as being an actual worker or a recommended standard for
workers to measure up to, the committee decided to change the
unit of measurement for industrial accidents to 1,000 hours’ exposure
and multiples thereof. The committee recommends 1,000 thousand
(1,000,000) hours for the unit in computing accident frequency
rates and 1,000 hours’ exposure as the unit in computing accident
severity rates.1
4
Following is the list of standard definitions adopted by the
committee:
STAND ARD DEFIN ITIO NS AD OPTED BY TH E CO M M ITTEE.

In publishing the statistics of accidents, diseases, and injuries, clear defi
nitions of the terms used in the tables should be given either in the tables, in prefatory
notes thereto, or in readily accessible text.
1. Reportable accidents.—Reportable accidents, diseases, and injuries should include
all tabulatable accidents, diseases, and injuries, and all nontabulatable accidents,
diseases, and injuries which require any medical expenditure.
2. Tabulatable accidents, diseases, and injuries.—All accidents, diseases, and in
juries arising out of the employment and resulting in death, permanent disability,
or in the loss of time other than the remainder of the day, shift, or turn on which
the injury was incurred should be classified as “ tabulatable accidents, diseases, and
injuries,” and a report of all such accidents, diseases, and injuries to some State or
national authority should be required.
3. Compensable accidents.—A compensable accident is one which is subject to
compensation under the law of the particular State in question.
N o t e . — Compensable accidents, diseases, and injuries as used in any report in
accordance with the practice in the particular State, should be tabulated separately
from noncompensable accidents and should be clearly defined.
N o te .—

14 For extended description and explanation of change see pp. C9 and 70.

180864°— 20— Bull. 276-;— 2

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

4. Permanent total disability.—Permanent total disability should include every
accident, disease, or injury which is designated by statute as permanent total dis
ability, or which permanently incapacitates the workman for performing any work
continuously in any gainful occupation.
N o t e .—Information in regard to medical service expenditures should b e given
as fully as possible. If the statistics given cover only a part of the cases dealt with
‘ under the law that fact should be made clear.
5. Permanent partial disability.—Permanent partial disability should include
every accident, disease, or injury (less than permanent total disability) which results
in the loss of any member of the body or part thereof, or in the permanent impair
ment of any function of the body.
6. Time of reporting.—Except as State laws otherwise require, all reportable acci
dents shall be reported to the proper State authority within 48 hours after the occur
rence of the accident.
7. Cause.—The accident should be charged to that condition or circumstance
the absence of which would have prevented the accident; but if there be more than
one such condition or circumstance, then to the one most easily prevented.
8. Accident frequency rates; per 1,000,000 hours of working time.—Accident frequency
rates should be expressed in terms of the number of accidents per 1,000,000 hours
of working time. 'The basis used should be the actual number of man hours for
the year; that is, the total working time for all employees of the establishment or the
department for the year reduced to the number of hours required for one man to do
the same work. This should be taken from exact records if such records are in exist
ence. If this exact information is not available in this form in the records, then an
approximation should be computed by taking the number of men at work (or enrolled)
on a certain day of each month in the year, and the average of these numbers multi
plied by the number of hours worked by the establishment for the year would be the
number of man hours measuring the exposure to risk for the year.
9. Accident rates for f 100,000 of audited pay-roll exposure.—Accident rates should
also be computed on the basis or $100,000 of pay roll. This information should be
published for all .State funds and for the entire jurisdiction where practicable.
10. Accident severity rates.—Accident severity should be expressed in terms of days
lost per 1,000 hours’ exposure of the working force, computed in accordance with
the following table:
N ote.—In computing the duration of temporary disabilities, the day of the acci
dent should be counted as the first day.
SCALE OF TIME LO SSES FO R W E IG H TIN G IN D U S T R IA L ACCIDENT D IS A B IL IT IE S SO
AS TO SHOW S E V E R IT Y OF ACCIDENTS.i

Nature of injury.

Death.........................................................................................................
Permanent total d isa b ility ............................................................... .
Arm above elbow, dismemberment................................................
Arm at or below dism em berm ent...................................................
H and, dismemberment.......................................................................
Thumb, any permanent disability of.............................................
Any 1 finger, any permanent disability o f....................................
2 fingers, any permanent disability o f............................................
3 fingers, any permanent disability of............................................
4 fingers, any permanent disability of............................................
Thumb and 1 finger, any permanent disability of.................... .
Thumb and 2 fingers, any permanent disability of....................
Thumb and 3 fingers, any permanent disability of....................
Thumb and 4 fingers, any permanent d isability of....................
Leg above knee, dismemberment................................................... .
Leg at or below knee, dism em berm ent..........................................
Foot, dismemberment.........................................................................
Great toe, or any 2 or more toes, any permanent disability of.
1 toe, other than great toe, any permanent disability of...........
1 eye, loss of sig h t................................................................................ .
B oth eyes, loss of sig h t........................................................................
1 ear, loss of hearing................T
...........................................................
B oth ears, loss of hearing....................................................................

i For explanation of this table see pp. 71 to 77.

Degree of
disability
in per cent D ays lost.
of permament total
disability.
6,000
6,000

4.500
3,600
3.000
600
300
750
1,200

1,800
1,200

1.500

2.000

2.400
4.500
3.000
2.400
300
’I ' 800
6.000

600
3,000

STANDARDIZATION OF ACCIDENT REPOETS.

ACCIDENT REPORTS.

The fundamental requirement for the accurate and complete
reporting of industrial accidents by uniform methods, and upon
uniform blanks, has probably not yet been attained for any American
State.
On the occasion of a conference of the American Association for
Labor Legislation, held in September, 1911, a committee1 was
5
appointed with the specific duty ‘ ‘of framing a uniform system of
reporting industrial accidents and occupational diseases and tabu
lating accident statistics.”
The committee, in cooperation with persons and official bodies
interested in accident reporting, prepared a tentative schedule which
was subsequently submitted to public officials, insurance companies,
and representatives of employers and employees. Numerous helpful
suggestions were received and utilized, and the final draft was
formally adopted at a joint meeting, held in Washington in December,
1911, of the American Association for Labor Legislation and the
American Statistical Association.
Copies of the final draft of the standard schedule for accident
reports were sent out with explanatory letters early in 1912 to State
officials urging its adoption. In a majority of the States it was
found, however, that insufficient legal authority precluded the
securing of all the information desired. It therefore became apparent
that legislation would be necessary in many States before the stand
ard schedule could be generally adopted. The committee in charge,
therefore, agreed upon a standard reporting bill, as follows:
STANDARD BILL FOR INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT REPORTS.
AN

ACT to

require the recording and reporting of certain industrial accidents, and to provide for its
enforcement.

Be it enacted, etc., asfolloivs:
Section 1.—Record o f accidents.

Every employer of labor, except agricultural or domestic labor, in this State,
whether a person, partnership, or corporation, including the State and all governmental
agencies created by it, shall keep a record of every accident which causes personal
injury to an employee in the course of his employment. The record shall contain
such information as the (proper official) may require and shall be open to inspection
by him at all reasonable times.
Section 2.— Report o f accidents.

Within 48 hours after any such accident the employer shall send to the (proper
official) a report thereof, stating:
(a) Name, address, and business of employer.
(b) Name, address, and occupation of employee.
(c) Cause of injury.
(d) Nature of injury.
(e) Time of injury.
(/) Place of injury.
(g)
Such other information as may be reasonably required by the (proper official).
Subsequent reports of the results of the accident and of the condition of the injured
i6 The members of the committee were: Leonard W . H atch, chief statistician of the New York State
Department of Labor, chairman; Lucian W . Chaney, U nited States Bureau of Labor Statistics; John
R . Commons, at the tim e a member of the Industrial Commission of Wisconsin; Don D. Lescohier, statis
tician Minnesota State Bureau of Labor; and John B. Andrews, Secretary American Association for
Labor Legislation.

STANDARDIZATION OP INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

employee shall be made by the employer at such times and containing such infor
mation as the (proper official) may require. The reports herein required shall be on
or in conformity with the standard schedule blanks hereinafter provided for. The
posting of the report, within the time required, in a stamped envelope addressed to
the office of the (proper official) shall be a compliance with this section.
Section 3.— Blanks for reports.

The (proper official) shall prepare and furnish, free of cost, to the employers included
in section X standard schedule blanks for the reports required under this act. The
form and contents of such blanks shall be determined by the (proper official).
S ection 4.— Reports not evidence.

Reports made under this act shall not be evidence of the facts therein stated in any
action arising out of the accident therein reported.
S ection 5.— Penalty.

Any employer who neglects or refuses to send the report or reports as herein required
shall be liable to the State for a penalty o f ---------dollars for each offense, recoverable
by civil action by the (proper official).
S ection 6.— Time of talcing effect.

This act shall take effect on the 1st day o f --------- , 19—.

The accident report schedule as agreed upon by this committee
was subsequently modified in minor particulars, largely with refer
ence to the practical requirements of workmen’s compensation laws.
The form for first reports, as adopted by the committee, has served as
a basis, with minor changes, of the accident-report form adopted by a
number of the principal States. It also served as a basis of the (dis
cussion in nearly all the conferences on the subject which have been
subsequently held, and differs but slightly from the standard form
which was adopted by the Chicago conference of labor and workmen’s
compensation officials, which was held in October, 1914, and by the
International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commisions at its special meeting held at Chicago in January, 1915.
The committee on statistics and compensation insurance cost of the
International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commis
sions at a meeting held in New York City, February 12-13, 1920,
revised this standard first report of accidents and in addition formu
lated a final report on nonf atal accidents and a supplementary report
on fatal accidents. The committee’s decision to take up again the
question of accident report forms arose out of the need for greater uni
formity in the reporting of accidents onthepartof State compensation
commissions. The States have not, seemingly, realized the impor
tance of a standardization and uniformity in this respect, yet it is so
clear as to be axiomatic that certain fundamental facts as to accident
occurrence must be known by every compensation administration in
order to make it possible to carry out the compensation law intelli
gently and effectively.
The revised first accident-report form as adopted by the committee
contains three new items, whereas six of the original questions were
eliminated. Experience has demonstrated that the questions elimi
nated were useless for obtaining dependable information. The com
mittee endeavored to frame the report forms so as to elicit every
obtainable item of information necessary in the administration of

STANDARDIZATION OF ACCIDENT REPORTS.

compensation laws, and to eliminate all unnecessary and useless
questions. The forms which follow are minimum standards. Some
States because of statutory provision or administrative practice
probably require additional information but this should be limited
to questions which are absolutely essential.
The forms adopted are as follows:
STANDARD FO RM S FOR ACCIDENT REPORTS.

First Report of Accident to Employee.
[To be filled out and sent in w ithin 48 hours of the accident.]

1.
Employer.

a. Employer’s name............................................................................
b. Office address: Street and No.......................................; city or
village...................................
c. Business (goods produced, work done, or kind of trade or trans
portation)......................................................................................
d. Location of plant or place of work where accident occurred, if
not at office address: Street and No......................................... ;
city or village...............................................................................
e. Name of insurance carrier..............................................................

2*
Injured person.

a. Date on which accident occurred..................................................
b. Working hours per day................. ; c. Working days per
week.................
d. Piece or time worker?.................; e. Wages or average earnings
per d a y .................; per w e e k ..................
f. Name.......................................; address..........................................
g. Sex...................................; h. Age............................... ..................
i. Occupation when injured...................................... ; in what de
partment or branch of work?.................... . ............ ; was this
regular occupation?................................... ; if not, state regu
lar occupation.............................................. ................................
a. Describe in full how accident happened

3.
Cause of injury.

b. Name of machine, tool, or appliance in connection with which
accident occurred................................... ; by what kind of
power driven?................................... ; hand feed or mechanical
feed?................................... ; part on which accident occurred

a. State exactly part of person injured and nature of injury
4.
Nature and extent of injury,

b. Did injury cause loss of any member or part of a member? If so,
describe exactly...........................................................................
c. Has injured person returned to work?................................... ; if
so, give date and hour.................................................................
d. Date disability began......................................................................

a. Attending physician; name and address...

Medical care.

b Ho'spitai; name and address'.!!.'.'.’.'.".'.” !.”

Date of report

made out by

STANDARDIZATION OS' INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

Final Report on Nonfatal Accidents.
1.
3.
4.
6.
8.
9.
10.

Employer’s n a m e....................................... 2. Address...........................................
Name of insurance com pany........................................................................................
Name of injured em ployee............................... 5. Address...................................
Date of acciden t............................... 7. Disability began.....................................
Date first compensation payment made......................................................................
Date injured able to return to work...........................................................................
Date of final paym ent...................................................................................................
(In case of permanent disability the date the final award was made.)

11. Nature of in ju ry ............................................................................................................
12. Is disability permanent? State exactly part of body injured and nature of
disability....................................................................................................................
................................................................ Per cent of total disability ..................
13. Wages or average earnings per d a y ............................ Per w e e k ............................
14. Payments to compensate for injury: Total, $ .............................................................
( N o t in c l u d i n g m e d i c a l p a y m e n t s . )

15. For medical treatment, $..................... 16. For hospital treatment, $.....................
17. For artificial members, $ .................... , as follo w s:....................................................
18. R em arks:........................................................................................................................
Supplementary Report on Fatal Accidents.
fir s t r e p o r t o f a c c i d e n t m u s t a ls o b e m a d e in e v e r y case.J

1.
3.
5.
7.

Name of em ployer.................................
Date of accident....................................
Name of em ployee................................
Dependents:
Name.

2. Address......................................
4. Date of d ea th ..................................
6. Address............................................

Bate of birth.

Relationship.

Present address.

a ................................................................................................................................
b ...............................................................................................................................
c ................................................................................................................................
d ................... ............................................................................................................
e ..................... ..........................................................................................................
f .................................................................................................................................
g .....................................................................................................................................................

8. Cause of d eath ...........................................................................................................
TIME OF REPORTING ACCIDENTS.

The International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and
Commissions at its special meeting held in Chicago in January, 1915,
adopted a resolution with respect to the time of reporting accidents
which was virtually identical with that adopted by the conference
meeting of October, 1914. That resolution recommended the require
ment that nonfatal accidents should be reported within 7 days after
occurrence and fatal accidents within 24 hours after death. In its
fifth annual report made in 1919 the committee on statistics and
compensation insurance cost submitted a new resolution concerning
the time of reporting accidents which was adopted by the associ
ation. The resolution is as follows:
Except as State laws otherwise require, all reportable accidents shall be reported
to the proper State authority within 48 hours after the occurrence of the accident.

A t the present time Massachusetts is the only State which has a
law requiring all employers to report all accidents within 48 hours.
Idaho and Iowa require all accidents of more than one day’s dis
ability to be reported within 48 hours; South Dakota requires all
employers under the compensation act to report all accidents within

STANDARDIZATION OF ACCIDENT REPORTS.

48 hours. Maryland, Oregon, and Washington require all employers
to report all accidents “ immediately.” Maine requires all employers
under the compensation act to report all accidents “ promptly.” At
present Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina are the only
States which require no reports of industrial accidents.
In some of those States in which there is no penalty clause attached
to the law considerable difficulty has been experienced in securing
reports of accidents. This has resulted in the promulgation of cer
tain supplementary regulations and interpretative orders by the
agencies receiving the reports. The following table indicates the
statutory requirements as to what accidents are reported and when
first reports are required to be made in the various States and in
Canada and such data as it was possible to obtain as to the admin
istrative practice of the agencies receiving first reports of accidents.
PR O V ISIO N S AS TO IN D U S T R IA L A CCIDENT R E P O R T IN G IN T H E V A R IO U S STA T ES
A N D IN T H E PR O V IN C ES OF C A N A D A .
UNITED STATES.
Statutory requirements.
State, and office
receiving report.

Alabama: Com
pensation com
missioner.
Alaska: Mine in
spector
and
commissioner of
labor.

Accidents required to be
reported.

When first re
ports are required
to be made.

All employers under the com
pensation act must report all
accidents of over 2 weeks7 dis
ability.
Serious or fatal accidents in
mines.

Administrative requirements if
different from statutory pro
visions.

W ithin 15 days..

Im m ediately----

Serious accidents required to be
reported immediately; minor,
m onthly. Under general au
thority all industrial accidents
also are required to be re
ported once a year.
Arizona: Mine in ........do................................................. ........do................... Serious accidents are defined as
spector.
those causing disability of 2
weeks or more. Fatal and
“ very serious” reported at
once; others at end of each
month.
Arkansas: Mine Mine operators must report all W ithout d elay. .
inspector.
serious or fatal accidents.
California: Indus All employers, insurers, and at Fatal accidents Only employers under compen
trial accident
tending physicians m ust re
m ust be re
sation act required to report
commission.
port all accidents involving
ported imme
accidents.
time lost or medical aid.
diately.
Colorado: Indus All employers must report all W ithin 10 days..
trial commis
accidents.
sion.
C o n n e c t i c u t : Employers under the compen W eekly................
C o m p e n sa tio n
sation act must report all in
commissioner.
juries of 1 day’s disability.
Delaware: Indus A ll employers under the com W ithin 10 d ays.. Accidents are required to be re
trial accident
pensation act must report all
ported within a m onth of
board.
accidents.
time of accident—tw o weeks
if possible.
Florida................... No provision....................................
Georgia................... ........d o.................................................
Hawaii: Indus All employers m ust report all As soon as prac All employers under the com
trial accident
injuries of 1 day’s disability or
ticable.
pensation act are required to
board.
more.
report all injuries as promptly
as possible.
Idaho: Industrial All employers must report all W ithin 48 hours. All employers under the compen
accident board.
injuries of 1 day’s disability.
sation act are required to re
port all injuries causing dis
ability or requiring medical
aid immediately.
Illinois:
Indus All employers under the com Fatal accidents Only compensable accidents are
trial commis
pensation act must report all
at onee: oth
required to be reported.
sion.
injuries of more than 1 week’s
ers once a
1 disability.
month.

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

P R O V ISIO N S AS TO IN D U S T R IA L ACCIDENT R E P O R T IN G IN T H E V A R IO U S ST A TES
AN D IN T H E PR O V IN C ES OF C A N A D A —Continued.
UNITED STATES—Continued.
Statutory requirements.
State, and office
receiving report.

Accidents required to be
reported.

Indiana: Indus
trial board.

W hen first re
ports are required
to be made.

All employers must report all
accidents of more than 1 day’s
disability.
Iowa: Industrial ___ do................................................
commissioner.

W ithin 1 w eek ..

Kansas: Depart
ment of labor
and industry.

A nnually.

Administrative requirements if
different from statutory pro
visions.

Kentucky: Work
men’s compen
sation board.
Louisiana: Fac
tory inspector.

Maine: Industrial
accident com
mission.
Maryland: Indus
trial accident
commission.

All employers under the com
pensation act must report such
reasonable particulars as to ac
cidents as State factory in
spector may require.
All employers under the com
pensation act must report all
injuries of more than 1 day’s
disability.
All employers of manufacturing,
mechanical and other estab
lishments or places where
women and children are em
ployed m ust report fatal acci
dents and all injuries of more
than 2 w eeks’ disability.
All employers under the com
pensation act m ust report all
accidents.
All employers m ust report all
accidents.

.do..
Massachusetts: In
dustrial acci
dent board.
.do..
Michigan: Indus
trial accident
board.
Minnesota: Com All employers engaged in indus
missioner
of
trial pursuits must report all
labor.
tabulatable accidents.
M ississippi............
Missouri: W orkmen’s compen
sation commis
sion.
Montana: Indus
trial accident
board.
Nebraska: Com
missioner
of
compensation.
Nevada: Indus
trial commis
sion.
New Hampshire:
C om m issioner
of labor.
New Jersey: De
partment
of
labor.
N ew M e x i c o :
Mine inspector.

W ithin 48 hours.

Only electing employers are re
quired to report to the indus
trial commissioner. Nonelect
ing employers m ust report to
the commissioner of labor.
The department requires reports
from all employers (except
farm labor) of all accidents of
more than 1 day’s disability
within 24 hours.

W ithin 1 week.

Sem iannually..

Reports are required annually.

Prom ptly.

Accidents are required to be re
ported at once.

At once. . .

All employers under the com
pensation act are required to
report accidents which cause
disability or require medical
aid.

W ithin 48 hours.
On eighth day Only employers under the com
after
occur
pensation act are required to
report accidents.
rence.
Fatal and seri Accidents from operating rail
roads, not included.
ous, w ithin 48
hours; others
within 14 days.

No provision.................................. .
All employers must report all W ithin 10 days.. (Law not yet in force.)
accidents involving eompensation or medical aid.
All employers and insurers must
report all accidents.

Only employers under the com
pensation act are required to
report tabulatable accidents
within 10 days.
Reports of accidents shall be As commissioner All accidents causing disability
made as directed by compen
or requiring medical aid are
requires.
sation commissioner.
required to be reported w ithin
10 days.
All employers under the com As commission All tabulatable accidents are re
pensation act and physicians
quired to be reported w ithin 30
requires.
days.
must report all accidents.
All employers under the com As required by Employers are required to report
pensation act m ust make such
commissioner.
all accidents causing disability
reports as required by com
of 2 weeks or more as soon as
possible.
missioner of labor.
All employers m ust report all W ithin 4 weeks; The industrial commission has
accidents of more than 2
requested all employers to re
fatal accidents,
week’s disability.
w ithin 2 weeks
port im m ediately all tabula
table accidents.
A ll m ine operators m u st m ake Brief report at
brief report of all fatal acci
once; complete
dents and m u st keep a record
report w ith in
of allaccidents w hich occurin
10 days.
mines, to w hichinspectorshali
have access.

As the board re
quires.

STANDARDIZATION OF ACCIDENT REPORTS.

PR O V ISIO N S AS TO IN D U S T R IA L ACCIDENT R E P O R T IN G IN T H E V A R IO U S STA TES
A N D IN T H E PR O V IN C ES OF C ANADA—Continued.
UNITED STATES—Continued.
Statutory requirements.
State, and office
receiving report.

Accidents required to be
reported.

N ew Y'ork in d u s A ll employers m ust report all
trial
c o m accidents.
mission.
N orth Carolina:
Mine inspector.

A ll m ine operators m ust report
accidents resulting in death or
personal injury.
A ll employers m ust report all
accidents.

W hen first re
ports are required
to be made.

Administrative requirements if
different from statutory pro
visions.

W ithin 10 d a y s .. Only em ployers under the com
pensation act are required to
report all tabulatable accidents
and those requiring m edical
aid.
W ithin 24 hours.

North D a k o t a :
W ithin 1 w e e k ..
W o r k m e n ’s
compensa t i o n
bureau.
Ohio: Industrial ........d o ................................................. ........d o ................... Only employers under the com
com m ission.
pensation act are required to
report compensable accidents
or those requiring m edieal aid;
compensable accidents to be
reported w ithin 2 weeks;others
on 10th day of m onth.
Oklahoma: In ........d o ................................................. W ithin 10 days
dustrial com
or reasonable
mission.
tim e.
Oregon: Indus- ........d o ................................................. A t once................ Only employers under the com
pensation act are required to
criai accident
report accidents causing dis
commission.
ab ility or requiring m edical aid
w ith in 5 days.
P e n n s y l v a n i a : A llem ployers (except casualem - W ithin 30 days .
Department of
ploym ents) m ust report all
labor and in
accidents of 2 d ays’ disability.
dustry.
P o r t o R i c o : A ll employers m ust report all W ithin 5 d a y s...
W orkmen’s re
accidents.
lie f commission.
Rhode
Island: A ll employers under compensa- W ithin 3 weeks:
Bureau of in
fatal, w ithin
tation act (except public u til
dustrial statis
ities) m ust report all injuries
48 hours.
tics.
of 2 weeks’ disability.
South C arolina.. . N o provision....................................
South Dakota: In A ll employers under the com W ithin 48 hours.
pensation act m ust report all
dustrial c o m
missioner.
accidents.
Tennessee: Chief A ll m ine operators m ust report Prom ptly............
all accidents.
m ine inspector.
T exas: Industrial A ll employers m ust report all W ithin 8 d ays...
accidents of more than 1 day’s
accident board.
disability.
U tah: Industrial A ll employers m ust report all W ithin 1 w e e k .. Only employers under th e com
pensation act are required to
commission.
accidents.
report all accidents causing
disability or requiring medical
aid. Fatal accidents required
to be reported by wire.
Vermont: Com A ll employers under the com W ithin 72 hours.
missioner of in
pensation act m ust report all
dustries.
injuries of 1 d ay’s disability or
requiring medical aid.
Virginia: Indus A ll employers m ust report all W ithin 10 d a y s.. Only employers under th e com
pensation act are required to
injuries over 1 week’s disabil
tr ia l c o m m is
report accidents.
A ccidents
sion.
ity.
causing from 1 to 7 days7 disar
. b ility are required to be re
ported quarterly.
Washington: In A ll employers m ust report a ll A t once................ O nly employers under th e com
dus'riad insur
accidents.
pensation act are required to
report accidents causing disa
a nce d e p a r t
ment.
bility. Fatal accidents are re
ported b y telephone or tele
graph.
W e st Vi r gi ni a: A ll employers must report any Upon r eq u e st.. . Only employers under th e com
pensation act are required to
information required.
C om pensation
report a ll accidents w ithin 24
commissioner.
hours.

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

PROVISIONS AS TO INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT REPORTING IN THE VARIOUS STATES
AND IN THE PROVINCES OF CANADA—Concluded.
U N IT E D S T A T E S —Concluded.
Statutory requirements.
State, and office
receiving report.

W isconsin: I n
d u strial co m
mission.
W yom in g: D is
trict court.
U n it ed States:
Em ployees’
C om pensation
Commission.

Accidents required to be
reported.

A ll employers of 4 or more per
sons and insurers muslt report
allaccidents.
A ll employers engaged in extrahazardous em ploym ents m ust
report all accidents.
Im m ediate superiors m ust re
port such information as re
quired b y commission.

W hen first re
ports are required
to be made.

Administrative requirements if
different from statutory pro
visions.

W ithin first 5 Only compensable accidents are
days of each
required to be reported.
month.
W ithin 20 d a y s ..
Im m ediately___

CANADA.
A lb erta : W ork
men's compen
sation board.
B ritish Columbia:
W o r k m e n ’s
c o m p e n sa tio n
board.
Manitoba: Work
m en’s compen
sation board.
N ew Brunswick:
W o r k m e n ’s
c o m p e n sa tio n
board.
N ova Scotia:
W o r k m e n ’s
c o m p e n sa tio n
board.
Ontario: Work
m en’s compen
sation board.
Quebec: Inspector
of industrial es
ta b lish m e n ts
and public
buildings.
Saskatchewan:
Bureau of labor.

A ll employers under th e com
pensation a c t m u st report all
disabling accidents.
A ll employers m u st report all
accidents.

W ith in 24 hours.
W ithin 3 d ays...

A ll employers m u st report a ll ........d o ................... Only employers under the com
disabling accidents.
pensation act are required to
report accidents.
All employers under th e com ........d o ................... A ll accidents are required to be
pensation act m ust report all
reported.
disabling accidents.
........ d o ................................................. ........d o ................... Employers under th e compensa
tion act required to report all
accidents.
A ll employers m ust report all ........d o ...................
accidents w hich cause disabil
i t y or necessitate medical aid.
Allfactoriesand workshops m ust W ithin 48 hours.
report a ll fatal and serious ac
cidents causing disability.
A ll employers m ust report all
disabling accidents.

F orthw ith..........

CLASSIFICATION OF INDUSTRIES.
In all tabulations of industrial accident statistics the most impor
tant factor is the classification of industries, because all other items
relate to it. For example, the number of accidents of a certain
nature, such as the loss of an arm, must be assigned to the industries
in which such accidents occur, and similarly the number of accidents
attributable to a specific cause, such as the lack of a proper safe
guard, must be distributed by industries. Uniformity in the classi
fication of industries is therefore of first importance and is absolutely
essential if the data prepared by the various States are to be com
parable.
A t the present time workmen’s compensation insurance rates are
provided by the insurance companies for some 1,500 different classi
fications. For the various industrial accident boards and com
missions to keep and publish their accident data in the detail indi

CLASSIFICATION OF INDUSTRIES.

cated by so maiiy classifications is well-nigh impossible, and would
result in a refinement too minute for practical purposes. If, how
ever, a logical table of industries can be prepared in such a manner
that the 1,500 insurance classifications can be arranged under a
reasonable number of headings, then the value of the industrial
accident statistics will be greatly enhanced and their usefulness
extended. Industrial accident board statistics and insurance sta
tistics will “ dovetail,” and all doubt as to just what is intended to
be covered under a given designation will be removed. The adop
tion of such a uniform classification of industries throughout this
country would mean also that publications of the Federal Govern
ment pertaining to industrial accident statistics of the various
States would be on the same identical basis, and therefore of greater
value than they could otherwise possibly be. This is one of the
chief objects which the committee has attempted to accomplish.
State insurance departments and rating bureaus, actuarial societies,
and insurance companies writing workmen’s compensation insurance
are interested in the subject and recognize the desirability of the use
of one standard set of classification groupings by all officials and
organizations interested in compensation insurance. The National
Workmen's Compensation Service Bureau of New York and several
State rating and inspection bureaus have prepared industrial classifi
cations for their own use.
A conference for the purpose of harmonizing existing groupings
was held in New York in September, 1915, under the auspices of
the Casualty Actuarial and Statistical Society of America. This
conference committee, in the consideration of classification groupings,
availed itself of the valuable advice and assistance of safety engi
neers familiar with industrial plants and processes. The task under
taken by the committee was to prepare a logical arrangement of all
the various industries of the United States according to the “ nature
of the business. ” After careful consideration the committee adopted
a grouping of industries covering all of the classifications used by
insurance companies for writing workmen’s compensation risks in
this country and acceptable to the representatives of each organiza
tion present at the conference. This classification grouping the
committee on statistics and compensation insurance cost approved
and presented as part of its first report. This report was indorsed
by the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and
Commissions at its annual meeting held at Seattle, September 30 to
October 2, 1915.
There remained for the committee the preparation of the final
subdivisions of classifications under each of the various industry
groups. In its second report made to the association at its third
annual meeting held in Columbus, Ohio, April 25-28, 1916, the
committee submitted a preliminary classification of these groups,
which was adopted by the association.1 These final subdivisions,
6
however, were especially designed for rate making rather than accident
prevention purposes and their principal value to industrial accident
boards and commissions lies in their service as an index to the indus
tries intended to be covered by the respective groups.
16 This classification was published in Bulletin 201 of the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pp. 17-71.

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

In the fourth year of its work (1918) the committee gave some
consideration to a revision of the industry classifications, but any
extended revision was so formidable a task that only slight progress
was made in the work. A revision was attempted, however, by an
informal committee made up of three members of the committee
on statistics, and representatives of the National Reference Committee
on Compensation Insurance Rates. The classification as revised by
this informal committee was submitted to the committee on statistics
and compensation insurance cost, and was recommended for adop
tion in the report of the committee made to the sixth annual meeting
of the association held in Toronto, September 25, 1919. The
changes recommended by the committee may be grouped under five
heads: (1) Regrouping of classifications. (2) Elimination of certain
classifications or consolidation with others. (3) Amendment of
classification wordings. (4) Definition of classifications, the scope
of which does not appear to be clear. (5) Erection of new classi
fications.
Experience with the classifications, however, proved that they
were still unsuitable and inadequate for practical uses. In order
that the industry classification might be published in the present
report and thus be made immediately available for use by State
industrial commissions, boards, and others interested, the com
mittee on statistics held a meeting in New York, February 12 and
13, 1920, and revised the classification of industries, but limited the
revision to the divisions, schedules, and groups. At this time a
new division (III— Other extractive industries) was added; several
schedules were eliminated or rearranged; a large number of groups
were eliminated, a few were added, and several were combined •
The total number of groups was decreased from 224 to 153. No
attempt further to subdivide the groups into classifications was made
at the meeting.
The committee, however, considers that the classification of
industries, even in its revised form, is still far from perfect and that
it must undergo modification from time to time as industrial organi
zation and industrial processes change and as premium rates are
readjusted accordingly. The committee on statistics, therefore, is
continuing its work oi revision. On the other hand, the committee
considers that the revised classification is the best of its kind j e t
produced and its adoption by the agencies interested in workmen’s
compensation would constitute a step toward securing uniformity
in industrial accident statistics, the importance of which can not
be overestimated.
The tentative classifications which the committee submit as a
result of its efforts are in accordance with the following arrangement:
Divisions.
Schedules.
Groups.
Divisions.— There are eight principal divisions or primary headings
as follows:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.

Agriculture.
Mining, metallurgy, and quarrying.
Other extractive industries.
Manufacturing.
Construction.

CLASSIFICATION OF INDUSTRIES.

VI. Transportation and public utilities.
V II. Trade.
VIII. Clerical and professional service.

Schedules.— The eight divisions are divided into 36 schedules, or
secondary headings. These secondary headings explain the details
into which the primary headings are separated. For example, the
primary heading “ Manufacturing” is divided into 19 schedules, such
as food, textiles, clothing, etc.
Groups.— The group headings, of which there are 1 53 in the revised
classification, are the most important in the series and show a refine
ment of the secondary headings. Each group heading is intended
to be significant of the industries covered under it, and it is the
belief of the committee that these tertiary or group headings will
prove acceptable to the various industrial accident boards and com
missions for general use in tabulating their accident data.
Classifications.— The final subdivision of the groups will consist of
the classifications. These, as already noted, are still unsatisfactory
and are in the process of revision by the committee. The revision
has not yet reached the point where the committee feels it wise to
publish this classification and it has, therefore, been omitted for the
present.
The industry classifications, as revised by the committee on
statistics, with the exception of the final classification, are given
below:
SUMMARY OF DIVISIONS, SCHEDULES, AND GROUPS.
I. A griculture.

Schedule 1—Agriculture.
Group 1—
-Garden and truck farming.
Group 2—General farming.
Group 3—Operating farm machinery by contractors.
II. M in i n g , M e t a l l u r g y ,

and

Q u a r r y in g .

Schedule 2— Mining.
Group 20—Coal mining.
Group 22—Metal mining with shafts, tunnels, etc.
Group 23—Metal mining, surface.
Group 24—Mining (not otherwise classified), with shafts, tunnels, etc.
Group 25—Mining (not otherwise classified), surface.
Group 26—Mineral w^lls.
Schedule 3— Metallurgy.
Group 40—Ore dressing.
Group 41—Smelting (not refining).
Group 42—Refining.
Schedule 4—Quarries and Stone Crushing.
Group 50—Quarrying and crushing.
Group 51—Clay and sand digging.
III. Other Extractive Industries.
Schedule 5—Forestry.
Group 60—Logging.
Group 62—Forest service.
Schedule 6—Fisheries.
Group 70—Fisheries.

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.
I V . M a n u f a c t u r in g .

Schedule 7— Food.
Group 100—Baking.
Group 101—Flour and grist-mill products.
Group 102—Starch, glucose, and sugar.
Group 103—Confectionery.
Group 104—Coffee, spices, and nuts.
Group 105—Dairy products.
Group 106—Slaughtering and meat packing.
Group 107—Packing houses (no slaughtering).
Group 109—Food preserving and canning.
Group 110—Beverages.
Group 112—Tobacco.
Schedule 8— Textiles.
Group 200—Batting, wadding, and shoddy.
Group 201—Cotton and linen goods.
Group 204—Woolen goods.
Group 205—Silk goods.
Group 206—Jute and hemp.
Group 207—Knit goods.
Group 208—Braid and other narrow fabrics.
Group 209—Lace and embroidery.
Group 210—Carpets and rugs.
Group 212—Finishing textiles.
Schedule 9— Clothing.
Group 220—Clothing.
Group 221—Headwear.
Group 222—Furnishing goods.
Group 223—Bedding.
Group 224—Miscellaneous needle trades.
Schedule 10—Laundries, Cleaning and Dyeing. ^
Group 229—Laundries, cleaning and dyeing*
Schedule 11—Leather.
Group 230—Tanning and dressing.
Group 232—Shoe stock.
G ro u p 233—Boots and shoes.
Group 234—Gloves.
Group 235—Heavy leather goods.
Group 236—Leather goods, miscellaneous.
Schedule 12—Rubber and Composition Goods.
Group 250—Rubber.
Group 251—Rubber goods.
Group 252—Celluloid and celluloid goods.
Group 254—Bone, horn, shell, and ivory goods.
Group 255—Oilcloth and linoleum. ^
Group 256—Miscellaneous composition goods.
Schedule 13—Paper and Pulp Manufacturing.
Group 270—Pulp.
Group 271—Paper.
Schedule 14—Paper Goods.
Group 280—Paper boxes.
Group 281—Paper goods (not otherwise classified).
Group 282—Paper coating and treating.
Schedule 15—Printing.
Group 290—Printing.
Group 291—Engraving.
Schedule 16— Wood Products.
Group 301—Saw mills.
Group 310—Planing mills.
Group 311—Cooperage.
Group 312—Boxes (wooden).
Group 313—Wood turning and pattern making.
Group 314—Brooms and brushes.
Group 315—Furniture.
Group 316—Rattan and willowware.
Group 317—Veneer goods.
Group 318—Musical instruments.
Group 319—Miscellaneous wood and metal products.

CLASSIFICATION OF INDUSTRIES,

Schedule 17—Blast Furnaces, Steel Works, and Rolling Mills.
Group 330—Blast furnaces.
Group 331—Steel works.
Group 332—Rolling and tube mills.
Group 333—Iron and steel fabricating.
Group 335—Boilers and tanks.
Schedule 18— Metal Goods.
Group 340—Foundries.
Group 344—Forging (not otherwise classified).
Group 346—Cutlery and hand tools.
Group 347—Hardware (not otherwise classified).
Group 348—Gas, electrical, and other fixtures.
Group 350—Sh'eet-metal products.
Group 352—Wire.
Group 353—Wire products.
Group 354—Eyelets, pins, etc.
Group 355—Metal furniture (not sheet metal).
Group 356—Lead and lead alloys.
Group 360—Jewelry and silverware.
Schedule 19— Machinery {notforging or woodwork).
Group 375—Machine shops (not otherwise classified).
Schedule 20—Fine Machines and Instruments.
Group 380—Fine specialty machines and instruments (small ^
arms, sewing
machines, watches, clocks, computing ana writing machines,
telescopes, microscopes, etc.).
Schedule 21— Vehicles.
Group 390—Automobile and automobile parts.
Group 391—Motorcycles, bicycles, etc.
Group 392—Aeroplanes.
Group 393—Carriages and parts.
Group 394—Railroad cars and parts.
Schedule 22—Stone Products.
Group 400—Cement and plaster.
Group 402— Stone grinding.
Group 403—Stone cutting.
Group 404—Carborundum.
Group 405—Miscellaneous stone products.
Schedule 23— Clay Products.
Group 410—Brick, tile, and terra cotta.
Group 412—Pottery.
Schedule 24—Glass Products.
Group 420—Glass (plate or sheet).
Group 421—Glassware.
Schedule 25— Chemical (the following are the groups adopted by the State of Pennsylvania:
Acids, explosives, oil and tar by-products, fertilizers, glue and soap,
paint and colors, drugs, and extracts
V.

C o n s t r u c t io n .

Schedule 26— Construction (not building erection).
Group 460—Pile driving.
Group 461—Clearing and grading.
Group 462—Street and highway construction.
Group 463—Railroad construction.
Group 464—Drilling.
Group 465—Excavating and dredging.
Group 467—Ditching and pipe laying.
Group 468—Tunneling and shaft sinking.
Group 470—Electric line construction.
Schedule 27—Building Erection and Demolition (occupational classification).
Group 481—Masonry.
Group 482—Structural-iron erecting.
Group 483—Concrete construction.
Group 485— Sheet-metal construction.
Group 487—Carpentry.
Group 488—Roofing (not otherwise classified).
Group 489—Plumbing and gas fitting.

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

Schedule 27—Building Erection and Demolition (occupational classification)—Con
cluded.
Group 490—Electrical fixtures.
Group 495— Painting and decorating.
Group 496—Plastering.
Group 501—Machinery installation.
Group 502—Wrecking and moving buildings.
Schedule 28—Shipbuilding.
Group 510—Shipbuilding, steel.
Group 511—Shipbuilding, wood.
Group 512—Boat building.
Group 513—Ship repairing in dry dock.
Group 514—Marine wrecking.
VI. T r a n s p o r t a t io n a n d P u b lic U t i l i t i e s .
Schedule 29— Water Transportation.
Group 520—Steamers and tugboats.
Group 521—Sailing vessels.
Group 522—Barges, scows, and lighters.
Group 525— Stevedoring.
Schedule 30—Steam and Electric Railroads.
Group 526— Steam railroads.
Group 527— Street railroads.
Schedule 31— Cartage and Trucking (drivers, chauffeurs, truckmen, fuel, lumber, and
ice dealers, retail stores, livery stables, storage incidental to trucking, etc.)*
Schedu le 32— Utilit ies.
Group 550—Gas, water, and steam.
Group 551—Electric light and power.
Group 552—Sewage and garbage.
VII. T r a d e .
Schedule 33— Commercial.
Group 570—Stores.
Group 576—Warehouses.
VIII. C l e r i c a l a n d P r o f e s s i o n a l S e r v ic e .
Schedule Si— Clerical and Professional Employments.
Group 602—Agents, salesmen, and inspectors (outside).
Group 603—Office employees.
Group 604—Professional employments.
Schedule 35— Care and Custody o f Buildings and Grounds.
Group 620—Hotels, clubs, and restaurants.
Group 622—Buildings (not otherwise classified).
Group 625—Amusement parks.
Schedule 30— Miscellaneous Occupations.
Group 651—Domestic and personal service.
Group 652—Policemen and firemen.
Group 653—Not otherwise classified.

CLASSIFICATION OF CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS.
The whole purpose of a classification of accidents by causes is
accident prevention. The classification, therefore, should point to
the most immediate and tangible preventives. Doubtless every acci
dent is, in fact, the outcome of along train of events. If only com
plete information were available, it should be possible to trace any
accident to some remote initiating cause— ultimately, in many cases,
to some failure of insight or foresight on the part of some human
agent. If a tower falls, it is because the builder has miscalculated
the strength of its materials in relation to the strains put upon them,
or the contractor has failed to carry out the specifications, or a

CLASSIFICATION OF CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS.

workman has slighted his task. So the death of those who are buried
in the ruins might be attributed to the neglect of the brickmaker, or
to the incompetence of the supervising architect. But it is very
seldom possible to ascertain the primary cause of an accident in this
sense. The attempt, indeed, would generally prove of doubtful
utility. The immediate cause is a tangible fact, capable of definite
ascertainment. To go further is to venture into the speculative field
of personal fault, where the bias of witnesses and the predilection of
the statistician will too often determine the result.
The committee recommends, therefore, that accidents be uniformly
assigned to the proximate or immediate cause. In the immense
majority of cases, the analysis will perforce stop at this point. The
comparatively rare catastrophic accidents, however, such as train
collisions or coal-mine explosions, should be further analyzed with
respect to the antecedent circumstances which produce the catas
trophe.
The committee adopted the following definition of proximate cause:
“ That the accident should be charged to that condition or circum
stance the absence of which would have prevented the accident; but
if there be more than one such condition or circumstance, then to
the one most easily prevented.”
The meaning 01 this rule may be made clear by illustration. A
workman passing through an aisle stumbles upon a defective floor
and throws his hand into an open gear which mashes off two of his
fingers. Under the rule adopted this accident is to be charged to
the gear and not to stumbling. Had the gear been properly covered
the workman might still have been injured by his fall, but the injury
which did occur, namely, the loss of two fingers, would not have
happened.
The^ committee has grouped the causes of accidents, as above de
fined, into 11 general headings, and these are again divided into sub
headings. The subheadings are made still more specific by a division
into classes. To illustrate— the general heading “ Machinery ’ ’ is
divided into prime movers, power-transmission apparatus, powerworking machinery, hoisting apparatus, conveyors, and miscellaneous
machinery. The subheading “ Prime movers” is again divided into
steam engines, gas or gasoline engines, electric motors and dynamos,
compressed-air motors, water motors, and other prime movers.
The original cause classification was recommended by the com
mittee in its second report made to the association in 1916 and was
adopted at that time. It was put into use by members of the com
mittee and others. This practical experience gave rise to suggestions
for changes and additions, and the committee therefore submitted to
the association, in its fourth report, two years later, a thoroughly
revised and amplified classification which was substituted for the
previous one. In this revision “ Boilers and steam-pressure appa
ratus” was combined with “ Explosions,” and “ Uorrosive sub
stances” was transferred to the “ Poisonous substances” class. The
committee also added certain new classifications, eliminated others,
and amplified many of those already in use.
The committee has further recommended a detailed analysis of
machine accidents by manner of occurrence and by part of machine
on which the accident occurred. Such an analysis may not be prac180864°—20—Bull. 276------ 3

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

ticable for publication in the general statistical tables, since it would
require a very large amount of space to show the accidents upon
each listed machine by manner o f occurrence and part of machine.
Nevertheless, it should be practicable to give this information in a
summary manner without reference to the individual machines, and
the statistical department should be able to obtain the information
for any specific machine or group of machines when required for
special studies.
The proper classification of power-working machinery caused the
committee considerable concern. The number of machines is so
great and their relationships so intricate that the subject involved
a thorough engineering study. The Workman’s Compensation Serv
ice Bureau, however, prepared an elaborate list of power-working
machines, comprising all the principal classes of machinery. Mr.
L. W . Hatch, of the Industrial Commission of New York, has made
a grouping of these machines by industry and within each industry
by operative hazard. The committee recommended the use of this
list until further experience evolved a grouping that could be officially
adopted. This list was revised and amplified by the New York
Industrial Commission in cooperation with the National Workmen’s
Compensation Service Bureau, and in its fourth report made to the
International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Com
missions in 1918, the committee recommended its use for accident
statistics.
Under uHoisting apparatus and conveyors” the committee have
recommended that elevator accidents should be analyzed in some
detail, because of the large number and seriousness of these accidents.
In mining States a similarly detailed analysis should be made of
accidents on mine cages, skips, and buckets. In those States where
building construction is an important industry derrick accidents
should be similarly analyzed.
The committee has given more attention to nonmachine accidents
than has been customary in most States and indeed in foreign coun
tries. Experience, both in the United States and abroad, has shown
that machinery of all descriptions— taking even the broad definition
here adopted— accounts for not more than one-fourth of industrial
accidents, whether considered from the standpoint of mere numbers
or from the standpoint of both number and severity. Indeed, less
than one-fourth of fatal injuries occur in connection with power
machinery. It has been customary to give a somewhat detailed
analysis of machine accidents, and to lump all nonmachine accidents
under a few general headings. The committee believes, however,
that 75 per cent of the accidents should receive at least half of the
time and thought of the statistical departments.
In the analysis of railroad equipment accidents, the committee has
followed the latest classification of the Interstate Commerce Com
mission, consolidating, however, to reduce the amount of detail.
It will be noted that under “ Vehicles” all accidents caused by
objects falling from the vehicle not incident to loading or unloading
are charged to the vehicle itself. Accidents incurred in loading or
unloading are charged to the handling of objects. This distinction
appears to be logical. In the same way falls of persons from the
vehicle are considered vehicle accidents. Of course a proper code
system will enable any statistician who desires so to do to throw

CLASSIFICATION OF CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS.

these accidents into the groups of falling objects and falls of persons,
respectively.
Hand trucks are not treated as vehicles, but are included under
Division V III (Handling of objects). It is of course true that a hand
truck falls within the common definition of vehicle; the committee
believes, however, that hand trucking is not a part of the transporta
tion industry, and that the hazards of hand trucking are more analo
gous to the hazards of handling objects than to those of power
vehicles.
Accidents in the use of hand tools are analyzed by manner of
occurrence. It was not believed worth while to analyze these acci
dents by the type of tool used.
With respect to occupational disease or industrial poisoning, the
lack of information in regard to this subject makes it impossible to
prepare a satisfactory code. Such a code must be built up as various
occupational diseases and poisonings are reported and experience is
accumulated. For this purpose it is especially desirable that informa
tion should be published in detail rather than in a general grouping
which will conceal the exact name of the disease or poison. The cor
relation of this information with industry and occupation is also ex
ceedingly important.
There are at present but seven jurisdictions in the United States
which make provision for the compensation of occupational diseases.
All but two of the Canadian Provinces make such provision. Occu
pational diseases for which compensation is paid m Canada and in
Great Britain are noted in Appendix III of this report.
The tentative code for occupational diseases which has been pre
pared by the Workmen’s Compensation Service Bureau while not
complete may be helpful, and it is therefore published as Appendix
IV (pp. 100-103) of this volume. This code classifies occupational
diseases from the cause viewpoint. The committee believes that a
similar classification from the point of view of the nature of the
disease or injury should be made.
The list of accident causes herewith submitted will require expan
sion in different States to provide for special industries. Industrial
classification of any given State must necessarily fall short of the
degree of completeness required for the United States as a whole.
In logging States, for example, more extended treatment should be
given to animal-drawn vehicles, to falling objects, and to hand tools.
The general classes here provided should be made more specific in
order to satisfy conditions peculiar to the logging industry. Simi
larly, wherever an administrative authority is carrying on a safety
campaign in the building industry, a special classification of falls of
persons and of falling objects in building construction should be
introduced. Doubtless there are still other industries which will
require special treatment. It is hoped that all these special classi
fications can be fitted into the general framework here provided.
Experience has shown the need of some agreed-upon rules of prac
tice, in order that variations in interpretation of the causes might
not develop so as to render results not fairly comparable, and, there
fore, seriously impair their usefiilness. The committee believes that
this experience enabled it to improve greatly the cause classification,
and it submits this classification as now revised, with its accompany
ing notes, with confidence that it represents a marked improvement

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

on any cause classification hitherto published. The cause of injury
code in use by the United States Employees’ Compensation Com
mission and several of the States follows this classification and may
be helpful to statisticians using the classification. The code is pub
lished as Appendix II of this report (pp. 85 to 97).
GENERAL CAUSE CLASSIFICATION.

I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
V III.
IX .
X.
X I.

Machinery.
Vehicles (not including construction of).
Explosions, electricity, fires, and hot substances.
Poisonous and corrosive substances and occupational diseases.
Falls of persons.
Stepping on or striking against objects.
Falling objects (not being handled by injured).
Handling of objects.
Hand tools.
Animals.
Miscellaneous causes.
I. Machinery*

A . Prime Movers.
1. Steam engines.
2. Gas or gasoline engines.
N o t e . —Include all intemal-combustion engines.
3. Electric motors and dynamos.
4. Compressed-air motors.
5. Water motors.
6. Other prime movers.
B. Power-Transmission Apparatus.
1. Shafts.
2. Shaft collars and couplings.
3. Set crews, keys, and bolts.
4. Belts and pulleys.
5. Chains and sprockets.
6. Ropes, cables, and drums.
7. Cogs, cams, gears, and friction wheels.
N o t e . —Accidents upon belts, pulleys, shafts, gears, or other driving
mechanism or parts thereof which form the connection between a machine
and the prime mover or intermediate drive shall be charged to transmission
apparatus. This includes parts attached to the machine. Accidents upon
belts, pulleys, shafts, gears, or other driving mechanism, or parts thereof
which connect one part of the machine with another part of the same machine*
shall be charged to the machine.
C. Power-Working Machinery.
N o t e . —The committee believes that power-working machines should be
classified by industry, and that within each industry group the principal
types of working machines should be grouped by operative hazard. The
committee recommends the use of the list of working machines prepared by
the Bureau of Statistics and Information of the New York Industrial Com
mission, in cooperation with the National Workmen’s Compensation Service
Bureau. The list follows:
POW ER-W ORKING M ACHINES.
S t o n e , Cl a y , a n d G l a ss P r od u cts M a c h in e s .

030 Brick-making machinery (not otherwise classified).
031
Brick cut-off machines.
032
Dry pans.
033
Molding machines.
034
Pug mills.
040 Cement-making machinery (not otherwise classified).
Bag-filling machines (cross index under food).
042
Cement-block machines.
043
Tube mills.

CLASSIFICATION OF CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS.

050 Glass-making machinery (not otherwise classified).
051
Polishing wheels.
052
Presses.
053
Surface grinding machines.
060
Pottery-making machinery.
080
Stone crushers.
090 Stone-working machinery other than crushers (not otherwise classified).
091
Drills.
Planers (cross index, metal).
093
Saws.
094
Rubbing beds.
M ETAL-W O R KIN G M ACH IN ES.

100
All other metal-working machines.
105 Abrasive wheels (emery, etc.).
Bending and straightening machines (revolving rolls, screw or clamp).
106
Corrugating rolls.
107
Crimping rolls.
108
Other metal rolls.
109
Other bending and straightening machines (not rolls),
110 Bolt and nut, pipe-cutting, threading, and tapping machines.
111 Boring machines or mills (horizontal and vertical) (not otherwise classified)*
115
Drills (drill presses), radial and upright or gooseneck.
Milling and gear-cutting machines (not otherwise classified).
119
Broaching machines.
120
Die sinkers.
121
Gear-cutting machines.
122
Key seaters.
123
Milling machines.
124
Profilers.
125
Slotters.
129
Other or indefinite.
Hammers and forging machines (not otherwise classified).
130
Belt machines.
132
Drop hammers.
133
Forging hammers.
134
Scrap breakers.
135
Swaging machines. .
136
Upsetting machines (not otherwise classified).
139
Other or indefinite.
Lathes and automatic screw machines.
140
Lathes (not otherwise classified).
141
Screw machines.
142
Turret lathes.
145 Cleaning mills—tumblers or ramblers.
146 Molding machines (core, sand mixers, tamping, etc.) (not otherwise classified)*
Planers and shapers.
151
Planers.
152
Shapers.
155 Polishers and buffers.
156 Portable power tools (pneumatic and electric drills, hammers, and riveters).
Presses (power) (including punches).
157
Arbor presses.
158
Bulldozers.
159
Button presses.
160
Draw presses.
161
Embossing presses.
162
Punch, stamping, and trimming presses.
163
Punch and eyeleting machines.
164
Punches and riveting presses (not riveting hammers).
167
Other or indefinite.
168 Presses (foot and hand operated—no mechanical power) (not otherwise classified),
169
Button presses.
170 Rolling mills (including blooming mills).

38
171
172
173
174
175
176
185
186
190
191
195
197

STAN D ARD IZATIO N OF IN D U S T R IA L ACCID EN T STATISTICS.

Saws (not otherwise classified).
Band.
Circular.
Hack.
Scroll and jig.
Shears (not otherwise classified).
Welding and heat cutting machines.
Wire working machines (not otherwise classified).
Winding machines (armatures, etc.).
Cable-making machines (not otherwise classified).
Wire and tube drawing machines.
Presses—hydraulic, pneumatic, and screw.
W o o d w o r k in g M a c h i n e s .

200
205
206
207
208
209
210
213
214
215
216
220
221

222
223
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
234
237
238
239
240
241
242
245
24G
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
265
266
267
268

All other woodworking machines (not otherwise classified).
Bending machines.
Boring machines and drills.
Cork working machines (not otherwise classified).
Band knife.
Cork board cutters, block cutters, etc.
Cork-slicing machines.
Lathes (not otherwise classified).
Spoke lathes.
Shoe-last machines.
Button lathes (ivory, etc.).
Mortising machines (not otherwise classified).
Chain mortisers.
Chisel mortisers.
Pocket and boring machines.
Tenoning, planing, and molding machines (not otherwise classified).
Auto blind slat (tenoner).
Edgers.
Jointers.
Matchers.
Molders.
Planers.
Stickers.
Tenoning machines.
Presses (not otherwise classified).
Clamping machines.
. Box nailers.
Box-board squeezers.
Door and blind clamps.
Hoop presses.
Sanding machines (not otherwise classified).
Belt (felloe and panel).
Disk.
Spindle and post.
Surface or drum.
Saws (band, scroll, or jig) (not otherwise classified).
Band.
Band resaw.
Jig or scroll.
Saws (circular and all other) (not otherwise classified).
Circular.
Gaining machine.
Gang circular.
Lath bolter.
Swing.
Dado.
Dovetailing.
RabbetingShapers (including special head cutters) (not otherwise classified).
Core-box machines.
Shapers.
Variety machines.

CLASSIFICATIO N OF CAUSES OF ACCID EN TS.

270 Veneering machines (all kinds) (not otherwise classified).
272
Veneer machines.
280 Brush and broom making machines (all kinds).
L e a t h e r -W o r k in g M a c h in e s — T a n n e r i e s .

300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311

All other.
Buffing drums.
Other drums and paddle vats.
Fur-working machines.
Fleshing, shaving, and skiving machines.
Jacks—felting, glassing, rolling, etc.
Presses and baling machines.
Hair washing and drying machines.
Setting up (or setting out) machines.
Splitting machines.
Unhairing machines.
Extractors (centrifugal).

320
330
340
350
351
352

All other.
Cutting machines (not otherwise classified).
Punching and pressing machines (not otherwise classified).
Sewing machines.
Buffing and scouring machines.
All other shoe-making machines.

360
365
366
367
368
369
370
371

All other.
Barkers, chippers, splitters, and grinders, indefinite:
Barkers.
Chippers.
Grinders.
Splitters.
Beaters (including rag washers).
Screens.
Paper machines:
Other or indefinite.
Head box.
Apron.
Wire.
Suction roll.
Couch roll.
Dryers.
Calenders.
Doctors.
Rolls and winders.
Cutters and slitters.
Choppers.
Digestors.

L e a t h e r -W o r k in g M a c h in e s — L e a t h e r P r od u c ts .

P a p e r -M a k in g M a c h in e s .

372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384

P a p e r -P roducts M a c h in e s .

386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400

All other (not otherwise classified):
Paper-cup machines.
Tube machines.
Twine-making machines.
Automatic box-making machines.
Covering machines.
Cutting and punching machines (not otherwise classified)«
Die cutters.
Guillotines.
Paper cutters (hand).
Perforators.
Punches.
Rotary cutters.
Saws.
Shears.

STAN D AR D IZATIO N OF IN D U ST R IA L A CCID EN T STATISTICS.

Doming and ending machines (not otherwise classified).
402
Doming machines.
Corrugating machines (not rolls).
403
Ending machines.
404
406 Corner staying machines.
Bag and envelope making machines.
407
Paper finishing machines.
408
Embossing rolls or calendars (cross index, rubber).
Embossing presses (cross index, metal).
401

P r in t in g a n d B o o k b in d in g M a c h in e s .

420

Composing machines (type casting and trimming machines) ’ (not otherwise
classified).
421
Linotypes.
Monotypes.
422
Type casters.
423
424 Gathering machines.
426 Presses (printing) (not otherwise classified).
Web newspaper presses.
427
Flat-bed cylinder presses.
428
Job platen presses.
429
Other printing presses.
430
431 Presses (binders) (not otherwise classified).
440 Sewing and stitching machines (not otherwise classified).
Wire stitchers.
441
Wire staplers.
442
445 Other printing machines.
450 Other bookbinding machines.
T e x t il e M a c h in e s .

All other (not otherwise classified).
Washers.
Driers.
Opening and cleaning machines (not otherwise classified).
Openers.
Pickers.
Rag pickers.
Willow.
Carding and combing machines (not otherwise classified).
Cards.
Combs.
Garnett machines.
Slubbers.
Spinning machines (not otherwise classified).
Jacks and mules.
Spinning frames.
Drawing frames.
Weaving machines (not otherwise classified).
Looms.
Wire-cloth looms.
Warpers.
Dyeing, finishing, and printing machines (not otherwise classified).
Pile-cutting machines.
Shearing machines.
Braiding and knitting machines.
Roj>e-making machines.
Sewing machines (cross index, Leather products).
520 Cloth cutting and stamping machines (not otherwise classified).
530 Hat-making machines.
Coating and inlaying machines (linoleum, etc.; other coated fabrics).
Winders, doublers, and quillers.

460
461
462
469
470
471
472
473
475
476
477
478
479
485
486
487
489
490
491
492
493
500
501
502
510
515

CLASSIFICA TIO N OF CAUSES OF ACCID EN TS.

L a u n d r y M a c h in e s .

Extractors (cross index, Leather).
560 Ironing machines (not otherwise classified).
561
Body ironers.
562
Flat-work ironers.
563
Mangles.
570 Washing machines (rotary).
F o od -P roducts M a c h in e s .

580
585
595
605
606
610
615
620
625
630
635
636
640
645
655
660

All other.
Cleaning, preparing, and sorting machines (not otherwise classified).
Milling and grinding machines (not otherwise classified).
Mixing machines and mixing kettles (dough and chocolate mixers, etc.).
Dotigh mixers.
Cookers (not mixers) and ovens (not otherwise classified).
Shaping and forming machines (not otherwise classified).
Cutting machines (not otherwise classified).
Coating and polishing pans (not otherwise classified).
Colanders (candy rolls, etc.) (not otherwise classified).
Crushers (ice crushers, etc.)
Barreling, bagging, packing, and wrapping machines (automatic or semiauto
matic).
Bottling machines.
Tobacco working machines.
Stamping presses—power-operated (cross index, Metal).
Stamping presses—foot or hand-operated (cross index, Metal).
Bleaching and blanching machines.
Containers, washing and cleaning machines.
F arm M a c h in e s .

670
671
672
673
674
675
676
677

* All other.
Feed and ensilage cutting and shredding machines.
Harvesters.
Thrashers.
Hay presses and balers.
Shelling machines.
Cream separators.
Cotton gins.
E n g in e e r in g a n d C o ntractin g M a c h in e s .

680
681
682
550
683
684
685
686
687

All other.
Concrete mixers.
Rock drills.
All other.
Pile drivers.
Road rollers.
Grouting machines and cement guns.
Well drills.
Trench and ditch digging machines.
Oh e m ica l -P roducts M a c h in e s — A cids a n d S al t s .

690
691
692
693

All other.
Grinding machines (except abrasive wheels).
Agitating mixers, vats, and kettles (except paint and pony mixers).
Machinery of recovery, such as screens, sifters, filters, and extractors, not
centrifugal.
694 Furnaces, ovens, dryers, and evaporators, mechanically fed or operated.
Crushers (cross index, Stone crushers).
Calenders (cross index, Rubber).
Centrifugal extractors (cross index).

STAN D ARD IZATIO N OF IN D U ST R IA L ACCID EN T STATISTICS.
Ch e m ic a l -P rod ucts M a c h in e s — S o a p s , G r e a s e s , O il s , a n d F e r t il iz e r s .

700 All other.
Agitating mixers, vats, and kettles (except paint and pony mixers) (cross index,
Acids).
Soap-stamping presses—Power-operated (cross index, Power presses, under Metal).
Soap-stamping presses—Hand and foot operated (cross index. Foot presses,
under Metal).
Soap grinders (cross index, Grinding machines, under Acids).
Barreling, bagging, packing, and wrapping machines—Automatic or semi
automatic (cross index, Food products).
Machinery of recovery, such as screens, sifters, filters, and extractors, not centrif
ugal (cross index, Acids).
C h e m ica l -P rod u cts M a c h in e s — D r u g s .

705 All other.
Grinding machines (cross index, Acids).
Mixers (except pony mixers) (cross index. Acids).
Tablet presses and pill machines (cross index, Shaping machines, under Foot).
Pony mixers (cross index, Paint mixers).
P a in t s , V a r n is h e s , D r y C o lo r s , I n k s , a n d D y e s .

710 All other.
Agitating vats and kettles (except paint or pony mixers) (cross index, Acids).
715 Pony or paint mixers.
Grinding machines (cross index, Acids).
Machinery of recovery, such as screens, sifters, filters, and extractors, not cen
trifugal (cross index, Acids).
Furnaces and ovens, mechanically fed or operated (cross index, Acids).
Crushers (cross index, Stone crushers).
Calenders (cross index, Rubber).
Centrifugal extractors (cross index. Leather, tanneries).
R u b b e r , C e l l u l o id , C o m p o s it io n , P e a r l , B o n e , a n d T o rto ise S h e l l .

720
725
726
727
728
729
730
731

732
733
734

All others.
Calenders.
Tire and tube making machines.
Hose-making machines.
Rubber-band choppers and cutters.
Mixers, not of calender type (cross index, Pony mixers—paint).
Cutting and slitting machines (cross index, Paper making).
Tubing and hose wrapping machines.
Tire-wrapping machines.
Tumblers (cross index, Cleaning mills, in Metal).
Presses—Foot and hand operated (cross index, Metal).
Tubing machines.
Punching and pressing machines (press and dye type) (cross index, Leather
products).
Cutting and punching machines (guillotine type) (cross index, Paper products).
Comb-cutting machines and ornament shapers.
Drills (button, etc.).
Grinding, washing, milling, and cracking machines.
M in in g a n d O r e -R e f in in g M a c h in e s .

735 Sackett machine (gypsum products).
744 All other.
M is c e l l a n e o u s .

745 Office machinery.
748 All other.
D. Machines Other than Working Machines.
1. Pumps.
2. Fans and blowers.
3. Turntables.

CLASSIFICA TIO N OF CAUSES OF ACCID EN TS.

D. Machines, Other than Working Machines—Concluded
4. Compressors.
5. Automatic stokers.
6. All other.
E. Hoisting Apparatus.
1. Elevators controlled (not construction elevators).
(a) Cable, breaking.
(b) Cable, unwinding.
(c) Cable, overwinding (car rising too high).
(d) Cable, caught by.
{e) Counterweight, struck by.
(/) Machinery, breaking.
(g) Machinery, caught in.
(h) Car, caught between floor and.
li) Car, caught between shaft side and.
(j) Car, caught between gate and.
(k) Car, struck by, in pit.
(I) Caught between car and overhead equipment or top of shaft.
(m)Car, struck by, elsewhere.
(n) Car, sudden start or stop.
(0) Car, dumping.
(p) Car rising too high.
(q) Fall of person into shaft, from floor.
(r) Fall of person into shaft, from car.
(s) Fall of person into car, from floor.
(t) Objects falling down shaft, from floor.
(u) Objects falling down shaft, from car.
(v) Objects falling from floor, into car.
(w) Catching of load or part thereof between car and shaft,
(:r) Gates, not otherwise classified.
(y) All other.
2. Elevators, automatic, and dumb waiters.
3. Elevators, sidewalk.
4. Construction hoists and elevators (not derricks).
(a) Cable, breaking.
(b) Cable, unwinding.
(c) Cable, overwinding (car rising too high).
(d) Cable, caught by.
(e) Counterweight, struck by.
(/) Machinery, breaking.
(g) Machinery, caught in.
(h) Car, caught between floor and.
ii) Car, caught between shaft side and.
(j) Car, caught between gate and.
(k) Car, struck by, in pit.
(1) Caught between car and overhead equipment or top of shaft.
(m) Car, struck by, elsewhere.
(n) Car, sudden start or stop.
(o) Car, dumping.
(p) Car rising too high.
(q) Fall of person into shaft, from floor.
(r) Fall of person into shaft, from car.
(s) Fall of person into car, from floor.
(t) Objects falling down shaft, from floor.
(u) Objects falling down shaftj from car.
(v) Objects falling from floor, into car.
(an) Catching of load or part thereof between car and shaft.
«a:) Gates, not otherwise classified.
(y) All other.
5. Mine cages, skips, and buckets.
N ote .— In those cases where mines are important, special analysis of min<9cage accidents should be made.

6. Cranes, locomotive.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

Car, striking person.
Car, falling.
Cable or chain, catching or striking person.
Machinery, catching person.

STA N D A RD IZATIO N OF IN D U ST R IA L ACCIDEN T STATISTICS.

E. Hoisting apparatus—Concluded.
6. Cranes, locomotive—Concluded.
(e) Hook or sling, catching or striking person
(/) Load, struck by, swinging.
(g) Load, struck by, lowering or raising.
(h) Load falling, broken cable.
(i) Load falling, slipping cable.
(j) Load falling, breaking of hook.
(£) Load falling, slipping of hook.
(I) Load falling, sling breaking
(m) Load falling, machinery breaking.
(n) Load falling, hitch slipping.
(0) Load falling, failure of current on magnet.
(p) Objects falling from load.
(q) Falls from crane or crane track (not in erecting or rigging).
(r) Other.
7. Cranes, other traveling.
(a) Car, striking person.
(b) Car, falling. #
(c) Cable or chain, catching or striking person.
(d) Machinery, catching person.
(e) Hook or sling, catching or striking person.
(f) Load, struck by, swinging.
(g) Load, struck by, lowering or raising.
(h) Load falling, broken cable.
(1 Load falling, slipping cable.
)
(j) Load falling, breaking of hook.
(h) Load falling, slipping of hook.
(I) Load falling, sling breaking.
(m) Load falling, machinery breaking.
(ri) Load falling, hitch slipping.
(0) Load falling, failure of current on magnet.
(p) Objects falling from load.
(q) Falls from crane or crane track (not in erecting or rigging).
(r) Other.
8. Derricks and jib cranes.
(a) Derrick or crane, striking person.
(b) Derrick or crane, falling.
(c) Cable or chain, catching person.
(d) Machinery, catching person.
(e) Hook or sling, catching person.
(/) Boom swinging.
(g) Boom breaking.
(h) Load, struck by, swinging.
(1) Load, struck by, lowering and raising.
(j) Load falling, slipping cable.
(k) Load fallings breaking hook.
(I) Load falling, sling breaking.
(m) Load falling, machinery breaking.
(n) Load falling, hitch slipping.
(o) Load falling, failure of current on magnet.
(p) Load falling, not otherwise classified.
(q) Objects falling from load.
(r) Falls from crane load.
(s) Falls from crane cab, car, or track (not in erecting or rigging).
(t) Other.
9. Wood tetackers.
10. Blocks and tackles, windlasses, capstans, and winches, not otherwise
classified.
11. Hay forks, derricks, and stackers.
F. Conveyors.
1. Air hoists.
(a) Objects falling from.
(b) Caught in.
(e) Struck by load.

CLA SSIFICA TIO N OF CAUSES OF ACCID EN TS.

F. Conveyors—Concluded.
2. Overhead trolleys.
(a) Objects falling from.
(b) Caught in.
(c) Struck by load.
3. Belt and chain conveyors.
(a) Objects falling from.
(b) Caught in.
(c) Struck by load.
4. Screen conveyors.
(a) Objects falling from.
(b) Caught in.
(c) Struck by load.
5. Bucket conveyors.
(a) Objects falling from.
(b) Caught in.
(c) Struck by load.
6. Platform conveyors and escalators.
(a) Objects falling from.
(b) Caught in.
(c) Struck by load.
The committee recommends that machine accidents should be further classified
by manner of occurrence and part of machine, as follows:
(a) Manner of occurrence, machine accidents,
(1) Adjusting machine, tool, or work.
(2) Starting, stopping, or operating machine.
(3) Cleaning or oiling machine.
(4) Repairing machine.
(5) Breaking of machine or work.
(6) Flying objects, striking operator.
(7) Flying objects, striking person other than operator.
(8) All other.
(b) Part of machine on which accident occurred.
(1) Point of operation.
N ote.—Point of operation means that part of machine at which
work is actually inserted and maintained during any process of
forming, cutting, shaping, or other operation.
(2) Belts.
N o t e . —Accidents upon belts, pulleys, shafts, gears, or other
driving mechanism or parts thereof which form the connection
between a machine and the prime mover or intermediate drive,
shall be charged to transmission apparatus. This includes parts
attached to the machine. Accidents upon belts, pulleys, shafts,
gears, or other driving mechanism, or parts thereof, which connect
one part of the machine with another part of the same machine,
shall be charged to the machine.
(3) Cranks or eccentrics.
(4) Flywheels.
(5) Gears.
(6) Set screws, keys, and bolts.
(7) Counterweights.
G e n e r a l N o t e . —The classification of part of machine and manner of occurrence
applies as well to prime movers and hoisting or conveying machinery as to working
machines.
II. Vehicles (not Including Construction

of).

A . Cars and Engines—Steam and Electric Bailways.
1. Train wrecks.
(a) Collisions.
(b) Derailments.
(c) Car striking object on track without derailing.
2. Falls from or in.
(a) In getting on or off, in motion.
(b) In getting on or off, at rest.
(c) While riding on, due to sudden start or stop.
(d) While riding on, due to slipping or loss of balance.

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

A . Cars and Engines— Steam and Electric Railways—Concluded.

2. Falls from or in— Continued.
(e) While riding on, contact with overhead structure.
( /) While riding on, contact with side structure.
(g) Falls, not otherwise classified.
3. Struck b y or caught between.
(a) While coupling or uncoupling.
(b) While switching.
(c) While repairing cars or engines.
(d) While repairing track.
(e) While crossing track.
( /) While standing or walking on track.
4. Other causes.
(a) Setting or releasing hand brakes. (Exclude falls due to.)
(b) Objects falling from. (Not in loading or unloading.)
(c) Objects shifting on load.
(d) All other.

B. Mine and Quarry Cars and Motors.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

11. Spragging.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

Lifting or pushing car.
Caught or struck b y rope or chain.
Caught b y car or load in dumping.
Getting on or off car.
Struck or caught between, not otherwise classified.
Note.— Include here animal-drawn mine or quarry cars.

C. Plant, Trucks on Tracks.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

Collisions.
Derailments.
Falls from, due to sudden start or stop.
Falls from riding on tail chain.
Riding on, contact with roof.
Riding on, contact with rib or side structure.
Caught between, and overhead obstruction.
Struck b y or caught between, while coupling or switching.
Struck by, not otherwise classified.
Braking.
Spragging.
Lifting or pushing car.
Caught or struck b y rope or chain.
Caught b y car or load in dumping.
Getting on or off car.
Struck or caught between, not otherwise classified.

D. Automobiles and Other Power Vehicles.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

CLASSIFICATION OF CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS.

D. Automobiles and Other Power Vehicles— Concluded.
11. Breaking of car or part not resulting in collision or overturning.
12. Falls from.
13. Objects falling from.
14. Objects shifting on load.
15. Mechanical unloading.
16. All other.
N ote.— All collisions of automobiles should be classed under automobiles,
whether with other vehicles or with cars.
Accidents due to the engine in an automobile or other power vehicle should
be charged to the power vehicle.
Accidents due to testing gas or gasoline engines should be charged to prime
movers.
E . Bicycles.
F. Aeroplanes.
G. Animal-drawn Vehicles (not Mine or Quarry Cars).

1. Collisions with cars or engines.
2. Collisions with other vehicles.
3. Collisions with stationary objects.
4. Overturning.
5. Whiffletrees.
6. Falls from.
7. Struck by.
8. Objects falling from (not in loading or unloading).
9. Objects shifting on load.
10. Breaking of parts.
11. Mechanical unloading.
12. All other.
Note.— All vehicle accidents due to runaways should be charged to animals
(X -A -3 ).
II. Animal-drawn Implements (not Machinery).
I. Water Craft.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Collisions with vessels.
Collisions with other objects.
Capsizing.
Hawsers and other ropes.
Falls from, or jumping overboard.
Falls from, rigging.
Falls into, hatchway.
All other.
Note.— Accidents from machinery on water craft should be charged to the
specific machine.

J. All Other Vehicles.

J3I. Explosions, Electricity, Fires, and Hot Substances.
A . Boilers and Steam-pressure Apparatus.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

Steam boilers, explosions of.
Steam boilers, escaping steam and hot water.
Steam boilers, all other causes.
Steam pipes, explosions of.
Steam pipes, all other causes.
Steam and hot water gauges, explosions of.
Steam and hot water gauges, all other causes.
Economizers and superheaters, explosions of.
Economizers and superheaters, all other causes.
Other steam-pressure apparatus, explosions of.
Other steam-pressure apparatus, all other causes.

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

B . Explosions o f Explosive Substances.

1. Explosives, manufacturing and storing.
2. Explosives, transportation and handling.
3. Explosives, blasting.
(a) Premature shot.
(o) Misfires or delayed shot.
(c) Windy shot.
(d) Tamping.
(e) All other.

4.
5.
6.
7.

Dust.
Gas.
Gasoline and other petroleum products.
All other.

C. Other Explosions.

1. Ammonia apparatus.
2. Other high-pressure apparatus.

3. All other.
N ote .— I ncludes accidents due to bursting under pressure.
JD Electricity.
.
E . Conflagrations.

N ote .— Includes accidents due to bursting under pressure.
F . Hot Substances and Flames.

1 . Hot water.
2. Asphalt, pitch, and tar.
3. Other hpt liquids.

4. Molten metal, explosions of.
5. Molten metal at furnace or cupola.
6. Molten metal, pouring.
7. Molten metal or slag, all other.

8. Radiant heat from incandescent metal.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Metal not molten, handling of.
Hot surfaces, contact with.
Oxyacetylene or electric cutting and welding.
Flames, clothing.
Flames, all other.
All other hot objects.

IV. Poisonous and Corrosive Substances and Occupational Diseases.
• N ote .— In case of occupational disease or industrial poisoning, it is desirable to
subdivide specifically so as to show each occupational disease or poisoning. In the
present state of knowledge in regard to the subject it is not possible to prepare a
satisfactory code.1 It must be built up as various occupational diseases and poison
7
ings are reported and experience is accumulated. For this purpose it is especially
desirable that detailed information should be published rather than general groups
which will conceal the exact name of the disease or poison. The correlation of this
information with industry and occupation is also exceedingly important.

V. Falls of Persons.
A . From Elevations.

1.
2.
3.
4.

Benches, boxes, chairs, and tables.
Bridges, dams, and docks (not in construction or demolition).
Cranes, derricks, elevators, and hoists in erecting and rigging.
Elevated bins, pockets,' and tanks.
N ote .— Include here falls from, but not falls into.
5. Buildings in construction or demolition not elsewhere specified.
6. Floors, temporary.

1 A tentative code for occupational diseases which has been prepared by the Workmen’s Compensation
7
Service Bureau, 18 Park Row, New York City, will be found to be helpful, and is published as Appendix
III of this bulletin.

C L A S S IF IC A T IO N

O F

C A U S E S

O F

A C C ID E N T S .

A . From Elevations— Concluded.

7. Ladders.
(a) Breaking of ladder or parts.
(b) Slipping, twisting, or fall of ladder.
(c) Knocked off ladder.
(d) All other.
8. Scaffolds and stagings.
(a) Breaking or slipping.
(b) Breaking of tackle or support.
(c) Tilting of scaffold.
(d) Tilting or falling of ioose plank.
(e) Other.
9. Boilers, engines, and machines.
Note.— Include platforms or walkways on, but not stairways leading thereto.
10. Piles.
11. Poles and trees.

12. Roofs.
13.
14.
15.
16.

Runways, balconies, and platforms (not loading platforms').
Loading platforms.
Gangplanks.
Stairs and steps.
Note.— Include all falls on stairs, steps, or lands.
17. Tramways and trestles.
18. Windows and wall openings.
19. All other.
B. Into Excavations, Pits, and Shafts.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Bins and vats containing hot or corrosive substances.
Bins and vats, all other.
Floor openings (not elevator shafts).
Manholes.
Excavations, not otherwise classified.

C. On Level.

1. Slipping.
2. Stumbling over fixed objects.
3. Stumbling over loose objects.
N ote.— Include here stepping on rolling objects.
4. All other.
N ote .— Strains due to near falls from slipping or stumbling, without falling>
should be placed under slipping or stumbling in this group.

VI. Stepping on or Striking Against Objects.
A . Stepping on Objects.

1. Nails.
2. All other sharp objects.
N ote.— Stepping on rolling objects should be charged to stumbling.
B. Striking Against Objects.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Nails.
Splinters or sharp projections from walls or structures.
Other fixed objects.
Fellow employee.
All other objects.

VII. Falling Objects— Not Being Handled by Injured.
A . Collapse of —

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Buildings and walls.
Piles (stacked, stored, or piled-up material).
Scaffolds or staging.
Chutes, conveyors, and slides.
All other.

B. From Elevations.

1.
2.
3.
4.

Buildings not in course of construction or demolition.
Bins and pockets.
Tramways and trestles.
Runways, balconies, and platforms.

180864°— 20— Bull. 276-------4

S T A N D A R D IZ A T IO N

O F

IN D U S T R IA L

A C C ID E N T

S T A T IS T IC S .

B. From Elevations— Concluded.
5. Racks and shelves.
6. Floor openings (not elevator shafts).
7. Chutes, conveyors, slides, and screens.
8. Machines and workbenches.
9. Piles (stacked, stored, or piled-up material).
N ote .— E xclude accidents in piling or handling of material.
10. Dumps— at mines and quarries.
11. Buildings in course of construction or demolition (not otherwise classified).
12. Scaffolds and staging.
13. Temporary floors.
14. Floor openings—in building construction.
15. Other elevations.
C. Trees.

1. Trees in felling (not otherwise classified).
N ote .— I nclude dead limbs and tops.
2. Trees lodged in felling.
N ote .— Include trees and limbs struck by felled tree.
‘3. Trees, kickbacks of, in felling.
4. Spring poles—flybacks of.
5. Limbs, not in felling trees.
6. Trees, not in felling.
D . Objects tipping over (except vehicles).

N ote .— E xclude objects which tip over while being handled.
E . Into excavations.

1. Ditches and trenches.
2. Other excavations (not tunnels, mines, or quarries).
F. Cave-ins ( Not Mines or Quarries').

1. Ditches and Trenches.
2. Tunnels.
3. Other excavations.
G. In Tunnels.
H . In Mines and Quarries— Inside.

N ote .— I nclude all accidents from falling objects in mines and quarries.
1. Coal, rock, and ore at the working face (not roof).
N ote .— I nclude rolls of coal or rock, but exclude accidents in stopes and
all pillar robbing.
2. Coal, rock, and ore from pillars or ribs (not roof).
N ote .— Include rolls of coal or rock.
3. Coal, rock, and ore from or in underground chutes, man ways, and batteries.
N ote .— Include rushes of coal, rock, or gob in same.
4. Roof in working places (not stopes).
5. Roof in entries.
6. Ore and rock in stopes (metal mines).
7. Timbers (not in handling).
8. From surface into shaft.
9. From cage into shaft.
10. From or in underground bins.
11. Cave-in of mine.
12. All other.

VIII. Handling of Objects.
A . Heavy Objects.

N ote .—E xclude handling of objects b y power appliances. Include objects
set in motion b y the handling of other objects.
1. Objects dropped.
N ote .— Include tipping over of object handled.
2. Objects thrown.
3. Objects falling from load (while loading or unloading).
4. Objects falling from pile (while piling or unpiling).
5. Caught between object handled and other object.
6. Strain in handling.
N ote .— Include only strains, hernias, etc., caused b y excessive weight of
object handled.
7. Handling (not otherwise classified).

CLASSIFICATION OF CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS.

B . Sharp or Rough Objects.

N ote .— Include only injuries due to sharpness or roughness of object handled,
not tools or machines.

1. Glass.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Protruding nails in objects handled.
Protruding wires.
Sheet metal and sheet-metal objects.
Slivers, wood.
Slivers, metal.
Castings.
Bones.
A ll other.

C. Hand Trucks, Carts, and Wheelbarrows.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Struck b y truck: handled b y injured person.
Struck b y truck handled b y coworker.
Caught between truck and other object.
Object falling from (not in loading or unloading).
Overturning.
All other.

IX. Hand Tools.
A . In Hands of Injured Worker.

1. Glancing or slipping of tool in use.
2. Breaking or coming apart of tool.
3. Flying particles set in motion b y tool.
(a) Nails and spikes.
(b) Metal chips.

(c) Stone.
(d) All other.
4. A ll other.
N ote .— Causes given show manner of occurrence.
causes of accidents may be listed.

Principal tools found as

X. Animals.
A . Draft Animals.

1. Kicks and stepped on.
2. Bites.
3. Runaways.
N ote .— Include all vehicle accidents due to runaways.
4. A ll other.
B. Other Animals.

N ote .— Specify any animals which may be especially important.

XI. Miscellaneous Causes.
1. Flying particles (not otherwise classified).
N ote .— Chips, dust, sparks, and other particles set in motion by working
machines or tools are to be charged to the specific machine or tool. The above
number relates only to nonassigned flying particles.
2. Doors, windows, covers, and gates, exclusive of elevators.
3. Drenching (not drowning).
4. Heat prostration and sunstroke.
5. Cold, including frostbites.
6. Lightning.
7. Violence of coemployee.
8. Violence, all other.
9. Wrestling, sparring, and horseplay.
N ote .— Include all accidents directly attributable to horseplay, giving
description of horseplay accidents.
10. Compressed air (not explosions).
11. A ll other.

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

LOCATION AND NATURE OF INJURY AND EXTENT OF
DISABILITY.

The committee has recommended four classifications of the results
of accidental injuries as distinguished from the accidents them
selves, namely, the location of injury or part of body injured, the
nature of injury, the extent of disability, and, as a subdivision of
the last, the degree of partial disability.
In assignment of the location of injury, the committee has followed
the common anatomical divisions, beginning with the head and
ending with the feet. Special provision has been made for injuries
involving two or more parts. The amount of detail given is not so
great as that called for by the specific indemnity schedules of some
States, but it is believed sufficient for all ordinary statistical pur
poses. Any State which needs more detail can easily provide it.
It is specially to be noted that accidents involving dismemberment
or permanent loss of use of members should be listed in detail.
The nature of injury classification is confined to the injuries sus
tained at the time of the accident, and is designated by popular
rather than technical medical terms. Special provision is recom
mended for infections, so that the infection shall be correlated with
the nature of injury and also with the extent of disability.
With respect to extent of disability, injuries are divided into the
generally recognized classes of fatalities, permanent total disabilities,
permanent partial disabilities, temporary total disabilities, and tem
porary partial disabilities. Permanent total disabilities are further
divided into dismemberment, and others.
Permanent partial disabilities are more minutely subdivided as
follows: Dismemberment, total loss of use, impairment of use,
disfigurement, and others.
The degree of partial disability need be shown only with respect
to permanent disabilities other than dismemberments. By degree in
this connection is meant the degree of impairment of the member
affected, and not the degree of disability of the injured workman.
Any attempt to determine the degree of disability of the workman
or his loss of earning capacity will be more or less arbitrary. In
any given case the measure adopted by the statistician will probably
reflect the compensation law of the particular State as interpreted by
the administrative authorities thereof. The California schedule,
e. g., would show the degree of disability from the loss of an index
finger to a piano tuner. But statistics of degree of disability in this
sense would add nothing to our information. With regard to partial
impairment of members, however, it is highly important to know the
extent of impairment, and this is a matter which can be ascertained
with a fair degree of accuracy.
The present form of the classification of industrial accidents by
location of injury, nature of injury, and extent of disability is sub
stantially the same as that recommended by the committee in its
second report submitted to the association in 1916. A few minor
changes were adopted in 1918. For example, traumatic amputation,
asphyxiation, and drowning were added to the nature of injury
classification, while permanent partial disabilities were further
subdivided. The classifications revised to date follow:

NATURE OF INJURY AND EXTENT OF DISABILITY.

CLASSIFICATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS BY LOCATION AND
NATURE OF INJURY AND EXTENT OF DISABILITY.
M u l t ip l e I n j u r i e s .

In case of an injury involving more than one location or one nature of injury^ as
specified below, as a rule the injury should be placed in that classification which
indicates the most serious disability. If one or more dismemberments are involved,
each should be separately listed. If the injury is a temporary disability only, it may
be charged to the general part of the body, but if it is a permanent disability the
above rule should be strictly followed.
I. L

o c a t io n

I n ju ry.

N o t e . — If the injury extends ultimately to a part of the body other than that first
affected, charge to the major part finally involved.

A . Head.

1.
%
.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Brain.
Eye.
Both eyes.
Internal ear.
Both internal ears.
External ear.
Skull.
Scalp.
Head (not otherwise classified).

B . Face and Neck.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
0.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

Forehead.
Eyelids.
Nose.
Cheek.
Upper jaw.
Lower jaw.
Teeth.
Tongue.
Lips and chin.
Face (not otherwise classified).
Neck.

C. Trunk.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.

Spinal cord.
Vertebrae.
Back (external).
Sternum.
Ribs.
Thorax (generally), external.
Thoracic organs, internal.
Abdomen, external.
Abdominal viscera.
Groin.
Sacrum or coccyx.
Pelvis (not otherwise classified).
Anus, rectum, or perineum.
External generative organs.
Hernia, umbilical.
Hernia, inguinal.
Hernia, other.

D . Upper Extremities.

1. Scapula.
2. Clavicle.
3. Shoulder join t.
N o t e . — Use this number only for dislocations of shoulder or fractures of
head of humerus.
4. Humerus.
5. Upper arm.
6. Elbow.
7. Radius.
8. Ulna.
9. Radius and ulna.

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

D. Upper Extremities— Concluded.
10. Forearm.
11. Wrist.
12. Arm, general.
13. Both arms or one arm and one hand.
14. Arm and leg.
15. Hand, general.
16. Both hands.
17. Hand and foot.
18. Palm.
19. Back of hand.
20. One metacarpal.
21. Two or more metacarpals.
22. Thumb, one phalange.
23. Thumb, more than one phalange.
24. Index finger, one phalange.
25. Index finger, more than one phalange.
26. Middle finger, one phalange.
27. Middle finger, more than one phalange
28. Ring finger, one phalange.
29. Ring finger, more than one phalange.
30. Little finger, one phalange.
31. Little finger, more than one phalange.
32. Thumb and one finger.
33. Thumb and two or more fingers.
34. Two fingers.
35. Three fingers.
36. Four fingers.
E . Lower Extremities.

1. H ip joint.
N o t e . —Use this number only for dislocations of hip or fractures of head
of femur.
2. Femur.
3. Upper leg.
4. Patella.
5. Knee, other than patella.
6. Tibia.
7. Fibula.
8. Tibia and fibula.
9. Lower leg.
10. Both legs or one leg and one foot.
11. Ankle.
12. Metatarsals.
13. Foot.
14. Both feet.
15. Great toe, one phalange.
16. Great toe, more than one phalange.
17. Lesser toe, one phalange.
18. Lesser toe, more than one phalange.
19. Great toe and lesser toe or toes.
20. Two or more lesser toes.
II.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

N a tu re

I njury.

Bruises, contusions, and abrasions.
Burns and scalds.
Concussions.
Cuts and lacerations.
Punctures.
Amputations, traumatic.
Dislocations.
Fractures.
Sprains and strains.
Asphyxiation.
Drowning.
A ll other.
N o t e . — I n case of infection, nature of injury should be correlated with the in fec
tion. This is especially important in cases of bruises, contusions and abrasions,
burns and scalds, and cuts and lacerations.

NATURE

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

O F

INJURY AND EXTENT

O F

DISABILITY.

III. E x t e n t o f D i s a b i l i t y .
Fatal.
Permanent total disability— dismemberment.
Permanent total disability— other.
Permanent partial disability— dismemberment.
Permanent partial disability— total loss or use.
Permanent partial disability—impairment of use.
Permanent partial disability— disfigurement.
Permanent partial disability— other.
Temporary total disability.
Temporary partial disability.
IV . D egree

P a r t ia l D is a b il it y .

N ote.—This classification should be used only for permanent disabilities not
dismemberments, and for temporary partial disabilities. It relates only to the
degree of impairment of the specific organs or members affected.
1. 10 per cent and under.
2. 11 to 20 per cent.
3. 21 to 30 per cent.
4. 31 to 40 per cent.
5. 41 to 50 per cent.
6. 51 to 60 per cent.
7. 61 to 70 per cent.
8. 71 to 80 per cent.
9. 81 to 90 per cent.
10. 91 to 100 per cent.

STANDARD TABLES FOR ACCIDENT AND COMPENSATION
STATISTICS.

The 16 standard tables proposed by the committee are intended to
bring out in convenient form and in due correlation the significant
facts of work accidents. Next to the use of standard classifications,
nothing will contribute so much to the value of statistical reports as
uniform and effective organization of material. Conversely, the lack
of any standard organization has detracted greatly from the use
fulness of most statistical reports heretofore published by the several
States. In many cases essential information, which was available in
the files of the board or commission, is not disclosed by the published
reports, because the responsible official did not perceive the significance
of the facts in his possession. It is often necessary to wade through
hundreds of pages to obtain facts which can and should be so clearly
set forth that he who runs may read. A moderate number of stand
ard tables, thoroughly worked out, will present more information in
far more accessible form than is ordinarily contained in ten times
the bulk of printed matter.
The standard tables proposed by the committee are designated by
serial numbers and titles. They are so designed as to admit of
adaptation to the administrative needs and financial resources of
different jurisdictions.
The work of preparing standard tables for the presentation of
accident statistics was begun by the committee in February, 1916.
In its third report made to the International Association of Industrial
Accident Boards and Commissions in 1917, the committee recom
mended the adoption of the first 12 tables here presented.
In its fifth annual report, made to the association in 1919, the
committee recommended the adoption of Tables 13-16.

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

Some of the tables recommended by the committee originally
provided for the publication of all tabulatable accidents. This
recommendation was made upon the assumption that the tables
prepared on this uniform basis, the same definition of a tabulatable
accident being accepted by all, would permit ready comparison of
experience in various States. Experience proved, however, that
reports of accidents for any industry or State were practically never
complete except for those accidents which were compensable. The
tabulation of compensable accidents appears, therefore, to be of
greatest importance, and in all tabulations made careful distinction
should be made between compensable accidents and those which are
tabulatable but not of sufficient duration or severity to be com
pensable. In any tabulation where it is desired to compare acci
dent frequency and severity rates it would, of course, be misleading
to compare two industries or localities, in one of which perhaps 95
per cent of the accidents were reported while in the other only
75 per cent were reported. It is quite probable that such compari
sons have been made without a full realization of the incomplete
ness of the reporting in some cases.
In the tabulation of accident statistics it is, of course, absolutely
essential that tabulations of all compensable injuries be made and
kept up to date for the information and guidance of those responsible
for the administration of the compensation law. In the interest
of uniform comparable accident statistics, it is desirable that all
tabulatable accidents be tabulated, but in all tables which have to
do with accident rates or compensation costs, compensable accidents
should be tabulated separately and not included with noncompensable accidents. In any case, it should be clearly stated just
what accidents are included in the tables presented, and the terms
used should be clearly defined.
Table 1 originally provided for the tabulation of tabulatable
accidents. A duplicate table, called Table 2, was published for the
use of those jurisdictions in which injuries and diseases not at
tributable to accidents were reported. One table with a note ex
planatory of the uses which may be made of it has been substituted
for the original duplicate forms.
Tables 1 and 2 as now presented are designed to exhibit the fre
quency and severity of accidents by industry and extent of disa
bility. They are equally well adapted to the "tabulation of tabulata
ble accidents, compensable accidents, or nonaccidental injuries and
diseases, and are therefore adapted to the use of all jurisdictions
whatever their practice in regard to the reporting of accidents. It
is altogether desirable to tabulate injuries both as to severity and as
to frequency. In case this is impossible, the severity table is of
course much more important. It is highly desirable that nonacci
dental injuries be segregated and tabulated separately, both as to
frequency and as to severitv. The exposures for these tables are
calculated both in terms of pay roll and of hours worked by em
ployees in the establishment. It is expected that the industries will
be shown in such detail as the volume of exposure and the financial
resources of the particular commission will admit.

TABLES FOR ACCIDENT AND COMPENSATION STATISTICS.

T a b l e 1 .— F r e q u e n c y

c c id e n t s , b y

I n d u s t r ie s

and

E xtent

D is

a b il it y .

Number of compensable accidents.

Industry.1

Num
ber
of
1,000hour
work
ers.

Pay
roll
ex
pos
ure. Total. Deaths.

Ratos.

Temporary disabili
Per Per
Per
ties.
Per
ma
1,000,000 $100,000
ma nent
hours
nent par
worked of au
total tial
dited
disa disa Over 2 Over 1 week in estab
lish
bili bili
1 to 2 and
weeks. weeks. under. ment.
ties.
ties.

1 For list of industries see pp. 29 to 32.

T a b l e 2 .— S e v e r i t y

I n j u r ie s ,

I n d u s t r ie s

and

E xtent

D is a b il it y .

[Days lost should be expressed in terms of working days. Calendar days can be converted into
working days by multiplying by 6/7. For scale of severity rates see pp. — to —.1
Rates.

Days lost due to—

Industry.1

Num
ber
of
1,000hour
work
ers.

Temporary disabili
Days
Per
Pay-,
ties.
Per ma
1 ost per
roll Total
ma nent
1,000
ex days
nent par
hours
pos lost.
Deaths, total tial
worked
ure.
disa
Over 1 week in the
bili disa Over 2 1 to 2 and
estab
bili
ties. ties. weeks. weeks. under.
lish
ment.

Days
lost per
$100,000
of au
dited
pay

1 For list of industries see pp. 29 to 32.

Table 3 exhibits the number and severity of injuries by causes.
This is in many respects the most important table of the entire
group. It is particularly desirable that in publishing this table the
standard classification of accident causes be adhered to. The table
should be made for each industry schedule also, and for all important
groups. Further analysis of causes of fatalities and permanent
injuries is suggested. Analysis by location of injury is also suggested.
It is highly desirable that nonaccidental injuries be segregated
and tabulated separately on this form.

CO
of

[Days lost should be expressed in terms of working days.

A c c id e n t s ,

E xtent

D is a b il it y .

Calendar days can be converted into working days by multiplying by 6/7.]

Number of compensable accidents.

Cause.1
Total.

Temporary disabilities.
Perma Perma
nent
nent
Deaths.
total
partial
Over
1 week
Over
disabil disabil
and
ities.
2 weeks. 1 to 2
ities.
weeks. under.
3

Total
days
lost.

Perma
nent
Deaths.
total
disabil
ities.
10

Temporary disabilities.
Perma
nent
partial
1 week
Over
Over
disabil
and
1 to 2
2 weeks. weeks. under.
ities.
12

O
F

Days lost due to—

STANDARDIZATION

T a b l e 3 .— Ca u s e s

INDUSTRIAL

STATISTICS.

Table 4 shows the compensation cost of injuries by severity of injury. The table as drawn provides for the
separation of benefits, but it is not particularly essential to carry this separation further than a distinction
between compensation and medical aid. In other words, a table in which columns 5, 6, 7, and 8 were consolidated
in one would answer all practical purposes.

ACCIDENT

i For list of causes see pp. 36 to 51.

TABLES FOR ACCIDENT AND COMPENSATION STATISTICS.

T able

4 .— C o m p e n s a t i o n a n d M e d ic a l A id I n c u r r e d
A c c id e n t s , b y E x t e n t of D is a b il it y .

A ccount

[In this table the duration of temporary disabilities should be expressed in calendar days, as the
table is not intended for weighting purposes.]
Benefits paid and outstanding.

Injuries causing-

Deaths, with dependents
Deaths, without dependents
Permanent total disabilities:
Loss of both eyes
Loss of both arms
Loss of both hands
Loss of both legs
Loss of both feet
Paralysis of both arms or legs
Loss of mental faculties
Other permanent total disability
All permanent total disabilities
Permanent partial disabilities:
Dismemberments—
Loss of arm
Loss of hand
Loss of thumb
Loss of index finger
Loss of middle finger
Loss of ring finger
Loss of little finger
Loss of thumb and 1 or more
fingers
Loss of 2 or more fingers
Loss of 1 phalanx of thumb
Loss of phalanx of index finger
Loss of phalanx of middle finger
Loss of phalanx of ring finger
Loss of phalanx of little finger
Loss of fingers with injuries to
other fingers.
Loss of 1 leg
Loss of toes
Loss of 1 eye.
Loss of 1 eye with injury to the
other
Other permanent partial disabili
ties 2
All permanent partial disabilities
Temporary disabilities:
1 day
2 days
3 days, etc., up to 14 days
Over 2 to 3 weeks
Over 3 to 4 weeks
Over 4 to 5 weeks
Over 5 to 6 weeks
Over 6 to 7 weeks
Over 7 to 8 weeks
Over 8 to 9 weeks
Over 9 to 10 weeks
Over 10 to 11 weeks
Over 11 to 12 weeks
Over 12 to 13 weeks
Over 13 to 26 weeks
Over 26 to 39 weeks
Over 39 to 52 weeks
Over 52 weeks
All temporary disabilities
Grand total

Num
ber
of

Total
amount.

[ N o t e .— The action of the committee in regard to
Table 4 provided for the use of a “ standard list” of per
manent total disabilities based on the “ Standard acci
dent table” and for a similar ‘ ‘standard list” of dismem
berments under permanent partial disabilities.
The “ Standard accident table” contains no list of
permanent total disabilities, but only a list of dismem
berments. The list of permanent total disabilities here
given is taken from some of the State laws. These
standard lists have not yet been prepared.]

1 Form of notes to be used whenever applicable, e. g.: Including------cases of funeral benefits amounting
to $------. N ot reported i n ------ cases.
2 For list see Table 1 4 .

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

Table 5 shows the compensation cost of occupational diseases (or
nonaccidental injuries) by severity of the disability, and will apply,
therefore, only to those jurisdictions which compensate for such in
juries.
T a b l e 5 .— C o m p e n s a t io n a n d M e d ic a l A id I n c u r r e d o n A c c o u n t o f O c c u
p a t io n a l D is e a s e s , b y E x t e n t of D is a b il it y .

[In this table the duration of temporary disabilities should be expressed in calendar days, as the
table is not intended for weighting purposes.]
Benefits paid and outstanding.
Compensation.
Occupational diseases causing—

Total
cases.

Aver
age
Total
amount Death
amount.
per
and
case. funeral.1

Per Per
ma ma
nent nent
total par
disa tial
bili disa
ties. bili
ties.
6

Tem
po Med
rary ical.
disa
bili
ties.
8

Deaths, with dependents
Deaths, without dependents
Permanent total disabilities
Permanent partial disabilities in
volving specified percentage of im
pairment:
20 per cent and under
21 per cent to 40 per cent
41 per cent to 60 per cent
61 per cent to 80 per cent
81 per cent and over
All permanent partial disa
bilities
Temporary disabilities:
1 day
2 days
3 days, etc., up to 14 days
Over 2 to 3 weeks
Over 3 to 4 weeks
Over 4 to 5 weeks
Over 5 to 6 weeks
Over 6 to 7 weeks
Over 7 to 8 weeks
Over 8 to 9 weeks
Over 9 to 10 weeks
Over 10 to 11 weeks
Over 11 to 12 weeks
Over 12 to 13 weeks
Over 13 to 26 weeks
Over 26 to 39 weeks
Over 39 to 52 weeks
Over 52 weeks
All temporary disabilities
Grand total

* Form of notss to be used whenever applicable, e. g.: Including----- cases of funeral benefits amounting;
to $------not reported in -------cases.

TABLES FOR ACCIDENT AND COMPENSATION STATISTICS.

Tables 6 and 7 are alternative. It is recommended that where the
information is available the degree of impairment of each specified
member shall be shown, but in those jurisdictions in which compen
sation is based upon loss of earnings rather than impairment o f the
particular member, Table 7 may be given in lieu of Table 6.

T able

6 .— P e r m a n e n t P a r t ia l D i s a b i l i t i e s , b y L o c a t io n
a n d P e r c e n t a g e o f I m p a ir m e n t o f M e m b e r .

I nju ry

Number of cases (not dismemberments)
involving specified percentage of im
pairment of member.
Total

Location of injury.1

cases.
20 per
cent
and
under.

21 per
cent
to 40
per
cent.

41 per
cent
to 60
per
cent.

61 per
cent
to 80
per
cent.

81 per
cent
and
over.

r
y

Num
ber of
dismemberments.

1 For classification of location of injury for use in this table, see pp. 53 and 54.

T a b le

7 .— P e r m a n e n t

D is a b ilitie s , b y P e r c e n t a g e
of E a r n i n g C a p a c it y .

Im p a ir m e n t

Number of cases involving specified percentage of impairment of
earning capacity.

Location of
injury.1

41
51
61
81
11
21
31
71
per
per
per
per
per
per
10
per
per
per cent cent cent .cent cent cent cent cent
Total cent and and and and and and and and
cases. and under under under under under under under under
un
20
60
80
90
30
50
70
40
der.
per
per
per
per
per
per
per
per
cent. cent. cent. cent. cent. cent. cent. cent.
2

91
per
cent
and
under
100
per
cent.

Total
disa
bil
ity.

i For classification of location of injury for use in this table see pp. 53 and 54.

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

Table 8 is intended to show the importance of infection as a cause of
disability and death. It seems especially desirable that this table
should be made in order to emphasize the possibilities of reducing the
duration of disabilities by efficient first-aid and medical treatment.
T able

8 .— I n f e c t e d

I n j u r ie s , b y N a t u r e of I n j u r y
R e s u l t in g D is a b il it y .

and

E xtent

[In this table the duration of temporary disabilities should be expressed in calendar days, as the
table is not intended for weighting purposes.]

Total. Bruises.

Cuts
Burns Con and
Punc Dis Frac Sprains All
and other.
cus lac tures. loca tures.
and
tions.
strains.
scalds. sions. era
tions.
4

3
1

Total injuries
Total infected injuries
Infected injuries re
sulting in—
Deaths
Total loss of—
Eye
Arm
Hand
Leg
Foot
Fingers
Toes
Other members
Permanent impair
ment of—
Eye
Arm
Hand
Leg
Foot
Fingers
Toes
Other members
Temporary disabili
ties—
Number
Days lost
Average duration
Total benefits, in
cluding medical,
hospital, etc.

6
|

TABLES FOR ACCIDENT AND COMPENSATION STATISTICS.

Table 9 is intended to show the nature of injuries due to each par
ticular cause. It is especially desired to bring out the causes which
are responsible for the greater number of dislocations and fractures.
Table 9, however, is less important by far than Table 3.

T able

Cause of accident.1 Bruises.

9 .— N a t u r e

Inju ry, by

Ca u s e .

Cuts
All
In
Burns Con and Punc Dis Frac Sprains other Total fected
cus lac tures. loca tures.
and
inju
and
tions.
strains. inju ries. inju
scalds. sions. era
ries.
ries.
tions.

|
|

1 For classification of causes, see pp. 36 to 51.

Table 10 is intended to show the nature and location of injuries by
the severity of the disability. It is particularly intended for the
benefit of the medical profession. Obviously medical attention
ought to be centered upon those injuries which are producing the
greater number of serious disabilities.

T a b l e 1 0 .— A c c id e n t s , b y N a t u r e a n d L o c a t io n o f I n j u r y a n d E x t e n t
of D is a b il it y .

[In this table the duration of the temporary disabilities should be expressed in calendar days, as
the table is not intended for weighting purposes. Degree of impairment of member or degree
of permanent incapacity may be used in this table according to the practice prevailing in the
particular State.]

Total
per
ma
Nature1 and location3 of Total Deaths. nent
cases.
dis
injury.
abili
ties.

Number of permanent
disabilities (not dis
memberments) involv
ing specified percent
age of impairment of
member.
20
and
un
der.

21
to
40.

41
to
60.

61
to
80.

Temporary
Num disabilities.
ber
of
dismember81 ments. Num Averageand
ber. duraover.
tion.
9

1. Bruises:
Head, etc.
2. Burns:
Head, etc.

1 For classification of nature of injury for use in this table, see pp. 53 and 54.
2 For classification of location of injury, see pp. 53 and 54.

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

Tables 11 and 12 should be made for all industries combined and
for important industry schedules. Table 11 is designed to show the
weekly wages and sex of the injured. This information is necessary
of course in the computation oi compensation to be paid. Table 12
shows the age and sex of the injured. Average weekly wages for the
first and last groups in this table would be useful for actuarial
purposes.
T able

1 1 .— S e x

and

W ages

I nju red.

[For this table use the calculated wages upon which compensaticn awards are based, irrespective
of maximum or minimum limits.]
Males.

WeeMy wages.

Total
cases.

Females.

Per Per
Per Per
ma Tem
ma nent po
ma ma
nent nent
nent par rary TGtal
Total Deaths.
Deaths. total par
total
fe
males.
disa tial disa males.
disa tial
disa bili
bili disa
bili bili
ties.
ties.
ties. bili
ties.
ties.
3

and

A ge

Tem
po
rary
disa
bili
ties.
12

Under 64.00
$4.00 and under
$5.00
$5.00 and under
$6.00
Etc.
$28.00 and under
$29.00
$29.00 and under
$30.00
$30.00 and over
Total

T able

1 2 .— S e x

Inju red.

Males.

Age.

1
Give
ages
by
years, using age
at time of acci
dent.

Total
cases. Total
Deaths.
males.

Females.

Per
ma
nent
total
disa
bili
ties.

Per
ma
nent
par
tial
disa
bili
ties.

Per Per
Tem
ma ma Tem
po
nent nent po
Total
rary
par rary
fe
disa males. Deaths. total tial disa
disa
bili
disa bili
bili
ties.
ties. bili ties.
ties.
7

TABLES FOR ACCIDENT AND COMPENSATION STATISTICS.

Table 13 is designed to show the cost of medical treatment. The
scope of this table when published by any board or commission
should be clearly given. For example, any practice which may be
followed according to a particular law and organization of service in
including or excluding first-aid treatment should be explained, as
well as the limitations of any law with regard to the period during
which medical and hospital treatment is furnished or in regard to the
limitation upon the amount which may be spent for medical and hos
pital treatment to which an injured employee is entitled. Any limita
tions in the data available for the purpose of a report should also be
explained, in order that comparisons may not be made between any
two States where the data is of such a character as to make compari
sons unfair.

T able

1 3 .— C o s t o p M e d ic a l a n d H o s p it a l T r e a t m e n t b y N a t u r e
I n j u r y a n d A m o u n t o f M e d ic a l A id p e r C a s e .

Total
cases
with
med
ical
or
Nature of injury. hos
pital
ex
pend
iture.
1

Cost of medical and hospital treatment.
1
I
Aver 15
age
cost and
un
per
case. der.

Over Over Over Over Over Over Over Over
$25
$50 $100 $150
$10
$20
$5
$15
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
$10. $15. $20. $25. $50. $100. lloO. $200.

6
i
.

Bruises.
Burns.
For full list see
below.

Bruises.
Burns and scalds.
Concussions.
Cuts and lacerations.
Punctures.
Amputations to—
Arm.
Hand.
Fingers, one or more.
Leg.
Foot.
One or more toes.
A ll other.
Dislocations:
Shoulder.
Elbow.
Wrist.
Hip.
Knee.
Ankle.
All others.

1
! 11

Over
$200.

|
i

Fractures:
Skull.
Ribs.
Clavicle.
Humerus.
Ulna.
Pvadius.
Ulna and radius.
Hand.
Fingers.
Femur.
Tibia.
Fibula.
Tibia and fibula.
Os calcis.
Other bones of foot
(not toes).
Toes.
All others.

180864°— 20— Bull. 276-------5

Sprains and strains:
Back.
Side._
Hernia.
Shoulder.
Elbow.
Forearm.
Wrist.
Thumb.
Hand.
Hip ( i n c l u d i n g
thigh).
Knee.
Leg.
Ankle.
Foot.
All others.
Asphyxiation.
Drowning.
All others.

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

Table 14 relates only to cases of permanent partial disabilit}". It is
designed to show the duration of total disability in cases of permanent
partial disability, according to the nature of the permanent disability.

Ta b l e

1 4 .— D u r a t i o n o f T o t a l D i s a b i l i t y i n P e r m a n e n t P a r t i a l
a b il it y Ca s e s , b y N a t u r e of P e r m a n e n t D is a b il it y .

D is

Duration of total disability.
T o

Nature of perma
nent partial dis
ability.

tal
num
ber
of
cases.

Aver
age
days
per
case.

Over Over Over Over j Over O ver I
7
Over Over
21
14
28
56
91 ! 182 I 273 i Over
days
and 7 to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
365
14
28
91
21
56
182
273 . 365 days,
un days.
der.
days. days. days. days. days, idays.! days.

For list see below.

Loss o f1. Arm, right or major.
2. Arm, left or minor.
3. Forearm, right or major.
4 . Forearm, left or minor.
5. Hand, right or major.
6. Hand, left or minor.
7. Thum b, right or major.
8. Thumb, left or minor.
9. Thumb and one finger, right or
major.
10. Thumb and one finger, left or
minor.
11. Thumb and two or more fingers,
right or major.
]2. Thumb and two or more fingers,
left or minor.
13. One finger, right or major.
14. One finger, left or minor.
15. Two fingers, right or major.
16. Two fingers, left or minor.
17. Three fingers, right or major.

Loss of—
18. Three fingers, left or minor.
19. Four fingers, right or major.
20. Four fingers, left or minor.
21. Leg above knee.
22. Leg at or below knee.
23. Foot.
24. Great toe.
25. Great toe and lesser toe or toes/
26. One lesser toe.
27. Two or more lesser toes.
28. One eye (including loss of sight).
29. One eye with injury to other eye.
30. One ear.
31. Two ears.
32. Facial disfigurement.
33. All other dismemberments.
Impairment of use of member—
1. Arm, right or major.
2 .
— , etc.
33. All other impairments.

Table 15 is intended to show the condition of the injured employee
one year after injury. Investigation should be made each succeeding
year. The facts as to the individuals included in the table can only
be comparable if they represent conditions at a definite time after
injury. It has seemed to the committee that the proper procedure
was to make an investigation at the end of each completed year after
injury for several years. There will thus be accumulated a mass of
definite information in regard to what happens to an employee who
has sustained a partial permanent disability. At this time little is
known definitely in regard to this matter and practically all of the
schedules for rating permanent partial disabilities have been based
upon assumptions which may not be in accordance with actual
experience.

TABLES FOR ACCIDENT AND COMPENSATION STATISTICS.

T a b l e 1 5 .— S u m m a r y o p C o n d i t io n o f I n d u s t r i a l C r ip p l e s
b y I n v e s t ig a t io n O n e Y e a r A f t e r I n j u r y .

D is c l o s e d

Condition one year after injury.
Number employed.

Nature of permanent
disability.

1
Loss of—
Arm, right or major..
Arm, left or minor,
etc. (For full list
see Table 14.)
Impairment of use of 50
per cent or more—
Arm, right or major..
Arm, left or minor,
etc. (For full’list
see Table 14.)

Cases
investigated.

Still
dis
abled
for
work.

By same employer.
Num
ber
re
At other
cov
At same
ered occupation. occupation.
unemPloy- Same
Same
ed.
pay Low pay Low
er
or
er
or
bet pay. bet pay.
ter.
ter.
4

By other employer.
At other
At same
occupation. occupation.
Same
Same
pay Low pay Low
or
er
er
or
bet pay. bet pay.
ter.
ter.

In order that full information may be available for summarization
in Table 15 it is suggested that individual records be kept of each
important case, and that the essential details for such individual
record shall be as follows:
1. Name or case number of employee.
2. Date of injury.
3. Age at injury.
4. Occupation at injury.
5. Rate of pay at injury.
One year after injury, and to be repeated annually, the following details:
6. Still disabled.
7. Recovered—unemployed because of disability.
Em ployed b y same employer:
8. At what occupation?
9. Rate of pay?
Em ployed b y other em ployer:
10. At what occupation?
11. Rate of pay?
12. Lower rate of pay due to disability?
13. Has employment been irregular because of disability, since employee was able
to resume work?
14. Remarks.
15. Date of death.

Table 16 is suggested by the committee for the purpose of pro
viding for the accumulation of actual American experience in regard
to the remarriage of widows to whom compensation awards have
been made. It is not believed that the Dutch remarriage table now
in use can be assumed to be a proper measure applicable to Ameri
can experience.

STANDARDIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS.

Individual records should be kept, showing the following details:
1. Name or case number.
2. Date of husband’s death.
3. Industry or occupation of husband.
4. Date of birth of widow.
5. Number of children under 18 years of age.
6. Date of birth of each child under 18 years of age.
7. Other beneficiaries and relationship of each to deceased.
8. Date of birth of each such beneficiary.
9. Date of remarriage of widow.
10. Date of death of widow without remarriage.
11. Present value of compensation of widow, children and other beneficiaries (each
individual separately) at time of death of husband without discount for remarriage.
12. Present value of compensation of widow and children and other beneficiaries
(each individual separately) after remarriage of widow.
13. Bonus of widow on remarriage.

This information may be summarized as to age as follows:

T a b l e 1 6 .— S u m m a r y
of
R e m a r r ia g e
E x p e r ie n c e
of
W id o w s
W h o m C o m p e n s a tio n A w a r d s H a v e B e e n M a d e , f o r E a c h Y e a r ,
A g e ( N e a r e s t B ir t h d a y ) o f W id o w a t D e a t h o f H u s b a n d .

Number of widows mar Number of widows who
ried in—
died without remarriage.

to
b y

Sec
First ond Third
First ond Third! Ft
year' year. year, j Jitc* year. year. year.

Ag
gre
gate
years
of
wid
ow
hood.

Re
mar
riage
rate
per
100.

NumWidow’s age at jhprof
death of husband. I^ses.

Under 20 years:
No children..
1 child............
2 children___
3 children___
4 or more chil
dren ............
20 to 24 years:
No children..
1 child............
2 children___
3 children___
4 or more chil
dren ............
25 to 29 years, etc.

STANDARD

METHOD

OF COMPUTING
SEVERITY RATES.

FREQUENCY

AND

The committee has devoted much time and thought to the con
sideration of proper methods for the computation of the rate of
frequency and severity of accidents. Attempts to compare the
hazards of different industries or of the same industry at different
times have been unsuccessful because of the lack of an adequate
basis of comparison. There were three chief difficulties to bo faced:
First, there was no accepted rule as to what accidents should be
tabulated; second, no uniform and adequate base for the computa
tion of accident rates had been determined; and, third, there was
no uniform and adequate system of weighting accidents in accord
ance with their severity.

METHOD OF COMPUTING FREQUENCY AND SEVERITY RATES.

Some establishments attempt to take account of all accidents no
matter how trivial. Others exclude those of a minor character and
take account of only such as cause loss of a specified amount of
time. It is obvious that the accident showing of a plant may be
completely altered by a change in the definition of accident and that
in the absence of a uniform definition all comparisons between
the accident data of different establishments become almost worth
less. The precise definition is not so important, but it is necessary
that a uniform definition be everywhere observed. The committee
believes that a more general adoption of the standard definitions
recommended in this report will overcome this difficulty.
A C C ID E N T F R E Q U E N C Y .

The determination of a uniform, adequate unit of exposure to
measure the risk of accident occurrence presents much more serious
obstacles. In early attempts to compile accident statistics attention
was limited to the number of accidents occurring in a given plant
or the number of persons exposed to accident. This led to the
custom of expressing accidents in the terms of so many per 1,000
workers. But the term “ one thousand workers” was indefinite
and variable, because it took no account of the number of hours
workmen w^ere exposed to risk. To say that the accident rate for
1915 in a given establishment was 72 per cent per thousand employees
is indefinite and meaningless because (1) the number of employees
varies from day to day? (2) the working day varies in different plants
all the way from 14 to 8 hours or less, (3) some plants operate 365
days in the year, others as low as 160 days, (4) the hours worked
per day vary from season to season, and (5) both the hours per day
and the days per year vary from year to year with fluctuations in
industry. This method was also based on the assumption that all
injuries are equal— that a broken back and a broken cuticle have the
same importance in accident records.
To correct these defects in the computation of industrial accident
statistics, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics in its studies
of accidents in the machine-building industry and in the iron and
steel industry ascertained from the time records the number of manhours worked per year in the establishments studied. The number
of man-hours worked per year was not an easily comprehensible
or convenient* base upon which to calculate accident rates. For
convenience and greater clearness man-hours were converted into
“ full-time workers.” The “ full-time worker” had already been
adopted by the joint committee of the International Congress on
Social Insurance and the International Institute of Statistics and
defined as one who works 10 hours per day for 300 days per year,
or 3,000 hours. The “ full-time worker” seems at first thought
to be a mere statistical abstraction* It is true that the “ full-time
worker,” like the “ average man,” is a unit of measure, but for the
purpose of accident statistics a standardized workman to serve as a
unit of measure is absolutely essential. Furthermore, the statistical
full-time workman who is assumed to work 10 hours a day for 300
days a year was considered to conform very closely in most in
dustries to the actual workman who enjoys good health and works
every day the establishment is running. This unit of measure,

S T A N D A R D IZ A T IO N

O F

IN D U S T R IA L

A C C ID E N T

S T A T IS T IC S .

however, was not intended to suggest a 10-hour day or a 300-day year
as the ideal and proper working day and industrial year.
This “ full-time” or “ full-year worker” as a unit of measure was
formally adopted by the committee on statistics and compensation
insurance cost at its first meeting held in Chicago in 1915, and recom
mended for adoption by all of the States interested in the comparison
of accident statistics. It became evident, however, that there were
certain valid objections to the use of this basis for computing accident
rates. There was a certain amount of difficulty in making perfectly
clear what was meant by the “ full-year worker,” e. g., whether
the “ full year” meant the 365 day year or the “ full-year worker”
one who worked every day the establishment was running. Perhaps
the most serious objection was based on the fact that both employers
and employees regarded the “ 300-day worker” as implying some
judgment regarding the proper length of the working day and work
ing year. It was suggested that since the 8-hour day is becoming the
standard working day the unit of measure be made 2,400 hours per
year instead of 3,000, so as more nearly to reflect the working time.
A 2,000-hour year was also considered by the committee, but is was
recognized by all members of the committee that any standard unit
of measure which suggested the length of time men do or should
work was undesirable. At the meeting of the committee held in
Harrisburg, December 4 and 5, 1919, the following resolution was
passed:
Resolved, That accident rates, both frequency rates and severity rates, be com
puted on the basis of 1,000 hours’ exposure instead of 3,000 hours’ exposure, as here
tofore .

The committee gives the following explanation of this action:
In view of the fact that the working time, both the hours per day and the days per
year, varies widely from plant to plant, from industry to industry, from city to city,
from country to country, and from year to year, it was thought best by the committee
to cut loose entirely from a unit of measure that could be misunderstood as in any way
implying what the proper working time should be. The adoption of 1,000 hours’
exposure rids us forever of any such implication and gives a unit which is convenient
in size and will remain unaffected by changes in the working day or variations in the
working year. The 1,000-hour exposure is a stable, scientific, mathematical unit of
measure, which is what is needed for the measurement of accident rates. It has the
further advantage that accident rates measured by any other unit of exposure may be
readily expressed in terms of the 1,000-hour unit and vice versa. For instance, all
accident rates computed in units of the “ 300-day worker ” may be converted into
rates per 1,000 hours’ exposure by dividing by 3. Frequency rates are to be expressed
in rates per 1,000 thousand (1,000,000) hours’ exposure of the working force, instead of
per thousand “ 300-day workers.” Severity rates are to be expressed as days lost
per 1,000 hours’ exposure of the working force, instead of days lost per “ 300-day
worker.” In both instances the new rates can be derived from the old rates by
dividing by 3.

This base also has another very practical advantage. It is possible
to diminish or increase the base without altering the figure in the rate,
the only change being a shift in the decimal point. For example, a
severity rate of 1.12 days per 1,000 hours' exposure becomes 11.2 per
10,000 hours' exposure, or 112 per 100,000 hours' exposure. When an
extended analysis is undertaken it may be very desirable to increase
the base in order to avoid extended decimals.

METHOD OF COMPUTING FREQUENCY AND SEVERITY RATES.

ACCIDENT SEVERITY.

By the method above outlined an accurate measure of the risk of
accident occurrence or frequency may be obtained. The true measure
of hazard in an industry, however, is not given by the mere number
of accidents of all kinds per 1,000 hours’ exposure. A true measure
of the hazard must show the economic losses resulting from injuries.
The accident frequency rates may be the same in two plants in the
same industry, and the hazards may be entirely different because one
plant has very few severe accidents, while the other has a large pro
portion of serious accidents. To put all industries and all plants on
a common basis, a system of computing accident rates must be de
vised which will take into account the difference in economic sig
nificance between the accident which bruises the workman’s thumb
and the accident which smashes his head.
The immense majority of tabulatable accidents cause only a few
days7 disability, with no permanent impairment of earning capacity.
A single death will produce greater economic loss to the victim’s
family and to the community at large than many hundred minor tem
porary disabilities. This difference would matter little for the pur
pose in hand if the number of deaths and of permanent injuries bore
any reasonably uniform relation to the number of tabulatable injuries.
Unfortunately, however, the very reverse is the case. In some of the
lighter machine trades there may be a thousand tabulatable accidents
for one fatality, whereas among coal miners, railway trainmen, lum
bermen, and structural-iron workers the proportion of fatal and
serious injuries is many fold greater than in industry as a whole.
Accident rates, therefore, as ordinarily compiled are worse than
inaccurate: they are positively misleading.
Various attempts have been made to overcome this defect by pub
lishing, not one but several, accident rates for each industry. Thus
German and Austrian statistics show the whole number of accidents,
the number of deaths, and the number of permanent injuries per
thousand full-time workmen. But permanent injuries again cover
a wide range--from the loss of the tip of a little finger to total
paralysis of the body'. And the several degrees of permanent dis
ability are most unevenly distributed among industrial employments.
In woodworking industries, e. g., finger injuries predominate; in
logging and in coal mining there is an excessive number of perma
nent total disabilities. To be at all significant the analysis of acci
dent rates must be carried further. We must know not merely the
number of all permanent injuries, but the number causing total in
capacity and the number involving loss of hand, foot, eye, or fingers.
The moment such an analysis is made, however, the resultant acci
dent rates become too multiform for practical use. No mind can com
pare six columns o± figures at one time. Neither are the separate
comparisons capable of any intelligent summation. If the several
rates happen to vary in the same direction, the meaning is suf
ficiently clear, but how if a decrease in fatalities is accompanied by
a marked increase in permanent and temporary disabilities ? What
is wanted evidently is some common denominator in terms of which
can be expressed the total volume of accidental injury per unit of
exposure—a single expression which shall combine the number with
the severity of work accidents.

S T A N D A R D IZ A T IO N

O F

IN D U S T R IA L

A C C ID E N T

S T A T IS T IC S .

In seeking for such a common denominator the committee early
fixed upon time loss as the most significant, stable, and convenient
expression of the economic cost of industrial accidents.1 Obviously,
8
it is only the loss of time due to accidents that is susceptible of satis
factory measurement. The physical or physiological results can not
be reduced to a common denominator and the cost'in terms of human
suffering can neither be estimated nor expressed in standard units.
Obviously, again, the economic cost of accidents can not be measured
by the compensation paid. No one of our American acts even pur
ports to give full compensation for the worker’s immediate economic
loss, and no two of them agree in the scale of benefits assigned to
particular injuries. Compensation cost in industries of equal hazard
accordingly fluctuates enormously from State to State and the aggre
gate cost in every jurisdiction grossly understates the relative im
portance of permanent disabilities. Wage loss likewise, even if it
could be accurately obtained, is not a satisfactory index of occupa
tional hazard. Wages vary tremendousfy from occupation to occu
pation and from time to time, insomuch that no constant relation can
be predicated between extent of disability on the one hand and wage
loss upon the other hand. The same wage loss per thousand employees
per annum will consequently not indicate the same hazard in different
occupations or in different communities. The computation of wage
loss, moreover, presents numerous difficulties, more especially in the
case of fatal and permanent injuries. Shall it be assumed that the
particular wage rates prevailing at the time of injury will continue
throughout the working life of the injured? Shall the prospective
earnings of an apprentice be computed from his present earnings or
from the wage which he would probably earn as a journeyman?
Shp.ll the foregone earnings of 20 years be taken at face value or
discounted for interest %
Time loss, on the contrary, is relatively definite and stable. It
relates directly to the physiological results of accidental injury and
is, by comparison with compensation cost or with wage loss, but little
affected by the occupation of the injured, the prevailing rate of
wages, the scale of legal benefits, or the spirit of courts and com
missions. A month’s disability per employee per annum means the
same degree of occupational hazard, whether it occurs among lum
bermen or locomotive engineers, in the State of Washington or the
principality of Wales, in 1900 or in 1920. If, then, all injuries by
accident can be reduced t'o this one common denominator, we shall
1 A system of assigning time losses for a computation of accident severity rates was worked out by the
8
U .S . Bureau of Labor Statistics in the early part of 1914, and was applied in the preparation of a group of
charts exhibited by the bureau at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. As first used, the time
allowances, as fixed by the Wisconsin workmen’s compensation act for specific injuries, were employed.
Later, these time allowances were changed, death being based on life expectancy and permanent disabilities
on the New York scale increased 50 per cent. This scale has sine e been used by the bureau in its Bulletin
216, presenting the results of a study of accidents and accident prevention in the mac hine-building industry,
and Bulletin 234, a similar study, covering the iron and steel industry. (Bulletin 216 has been revised aiid
published as Bulletin 256, the severity weighting scale herein described being used. Bulletin 234 is lo be
superceded by a new bulletin (now in press) covering the iron and steel industry to the end of the year
1919. The severity weighting scale adopted by the committee has been used in this bulletin also.)
The computation of an accident severity rate by the use of time losses has occurred to a number of other
persons, independently. A t the Third Annual Safety Congress of the National Safety Council, held in
Chicago, Oct. 13-15,1914 (Proceedings, pp. 133, 134), Mr. Dudley R . Kennedy, of the Youngstown Sheet &
Tube Co., made suggestions in regard to severity rates along the same line, and early in 1915 submitted to
the National Safety Council a plan somewhat similar to that adopted by the committee. A scale of se'v eritv
weighting was worked out by the Wisconsin Industrial Commission in the latter part of 1914, and was
apnlied to the accident statistics of that State in a bulletin issued Aug. 1,1915. So far as can be ascertained
the above are the only published tabulations or suggestions for the compilation of accident statistics classi
fied on the basis of time losses.

M E T H O D

O F

C O M P U T IN G

F R E Q U E N C Y

A N D

S E V E R IT Y

R A T E S .

7 3

have what has heretofore been wanting— an index of industrial acci
dent hazard.
TEM PO RARY DISABILITIES.

In the attempt to express accident severity in terms of time loss
temporary disabilities present few problems. The duration of disa
bility in these cases is shown on the face of the record. The only
conversion required by the proposed plan is that from calendar to
working days. The committee, as already noted, recommends that
exposures be expressed in terms of 1,000 working hours and that the
duration of disabilities be expressed in working days. It is there
fore recommended that the number of working days chargeable to
temporary disabilities be uniformly obtained by deducting oneseventh from the number of calendar days intervening between the
beginning of disability and the recovery therefrom. The committee
is not unmindful of the fact that the seven-day week prevails in
certain occupations and the five- and- a-hall-day week in others. But
it must be remembered that time loss is here used as a measure of
accident severity. A disability of one calendar week represents the
same severity of injury whatever the length of the working day or
the working week.
FATALITIES.

More complicated questions arise in the consideration of fatal
accidents. The governing principle, indeed, is easy of determination.
Death entails a total cessation of labor power and the resultant time
loss is evidently the working life expectancy of the individual con
cerned. It is in the detailed application of this principle that diffi
culties are encountered. To the discredit of our governments,
be it said that no American records exist to show the average age
at which industrial workers cease to be employable, or the number of
productive years which a wage earner of given age may reasonably
anticipate. In the absence of such records, your committee was forced
to rely upon personal judgment, checked and guided by several
special investigations.1 Working life expectancy is a function of
9
mortality and superannuation; it is less than life expectancy by the
interval between voluntary or enforced retirement from gainful
employment and death. It is well known, however, that the life
expectancy of our industrial population is markedly below that
experienced by life insurance companies, while the evidence of acci
dent statistics, as well as common knowledge, goes to show that rela
tively few wageworkers maintain a footing in industry beyond the
age of 55. On the whole, it seems reasonable to assume that working
life expectancy, between ages 20 and 50, is about two-thirds of the
full life expectancy shown by the American Experience Table. The
compensation experience of a number of States indicates that the
average age of persons fatally injured by industrial accidents is
approximately 33 years. The committee accordingly adopted 20
1 Mr. G. F. Michelbacher constructed a very ingenious table of working life expectancies from the ages
9
of persons reported as injured by industrial accidents in California and Ohio. Kis results, while admit
tedly not conclusive because of inadequate data, were of special value to the committee. Collateral evi
dence tending to support the committee’s conclusions will be found in the Invalidity Insurance Experience
of the German Empire and in the investigations of the British Parliamentary Committees on Old-Age
Pensions.

S T A N D A R D IZ A T IO N

O F

IN D U S T R IA L

A C C ID E N T

S T A T IS T IC S .

years, or 6,000 working days, as the average severity weight of fatal
accidents.
The question whether each fatal accident should receive a weight
proportionate to the calculated working life expectancy of the indi
vidual involved was considered at length. It is not doubted that
significant differences exist in the average ages of workmen in dif
ferent industries, in different occupations within the same industry,
and in different communities within the same occupational lines.
Nor is it disputable that more labor power is lost by the death of
a man at 20 than at 50. But the age of the individual killed is,
after all, not particularly indicative as to the character of the hazard
which produced the injury. The proposed plan, moreover, is to be
applied to industries by States, and the number of fatalities in most
industry-State subdivisions will be small. Hence, if the severity
weight were to vary with the age of the injured—if a death at 20,
e. g., were to count for 10,000 days and a death at 50 for only 3,000—
the resultant severity rates would be distorted by merely chance
deviations. The committee, therefore, recommends that a uniform
time-loss value of 6,000 days be assigned to each fatal accident.
P E R M A N E N T D IS A B IL IT IE S .

The severity weight of permanent total disability was settled upon
the principles just discussed. Permanent total disability, equally
with death, entails a time loss equivalent to the full working life
expectancy of the person injured. For the reasons above recounted,
it was deemed best to use an average expectancy rather than the
actual (calculated) expectancy of each individual. Finally, it was
resolved to recommend the same weight as for a death. Against
this course may be urged that a permanent total disability entails
a greater economic burden upon the sufferer’s family and upon the
community than a death. Were the question solely one of economic
loss, permanent total disability might reasonably be valued at the
full working life expectancy and a death at, say, two-thirds thereof.
But the question is one of industrial hazard and not merely one of
economic loss, Surely it can not reasonably be said that an acci
dent which results in permanent total disability indicates a greater
hazard than an accident which results in death. No injury can be
more severe—and we are speaking of an accident severity— than
a fatal injury. It so happens, furthermore, that the average age
of those who are permanently totally disabled by accident is higher
than that of persons who die from accidental injuries—about 42 as
against 33 years.2 The fact is that the natural powers of recuper
0
ation fail with advancing years, so that a given injury is more likely
to cause serious permanent disability in an older than in a younger
man. The use of actual working life expectancies would, on this
account, give lower average weights for permanent total disabilities
than for deaths. Lastly, it is by no means always true that a per
manent total disability involves a total economic loss. A man may
be incapacitated for employment and still contribute something to
the family income. Taken all in all, therefore, your committee rec
ommends that permanent total disabilities, like deaths, be valued
uniformly at 6,000 working days each.
2 This difference is found in both American and European experience
0

M E T H O D

O F

C O M P U T IN G

F R E Q U E N C Y

A N D

S E V E R IT Y

R A T E S .

Permanent partial disabilities clearly ought to be rated in per
centages of permanent total disability. Precisely here, however, is
the nub of all severity rating, namely, the determination of the
degree of permanent disability. It might well be supposed by one
not familiar with the situation that the precise extent of disability,
being a material fact in the fixation of compensation, would inva
riably appear on the face of the records. Such, however, is nowhere
the case. In most American jurisdictions permanent disabilities are
graded by a legislative schedule which assigns so many weeks’ com
pensation to each enumerated physical injury. Even in those juris
dictions, as California, Washington, and Ontario, where no such
schedule is established by law, the administrative practice is not
widely different. Almost everywhere compensation is determined
not by the actual impairment 0 earnings but by the loss or disability
1
of specified bodily members.2
1
Such being the run of facts in the record, the statistician is con
strained to follow the same course in the severity rating of perma
nent disabilities. He has no choice but to rely upon the actual bodily
impairments which the records disclose as the index of the extent of
disability. Why not, then, rate these disabilities in accordance with
the specific indemnity schedule, statutory or administrative, of each
particular jurisdiction? Because the numerous American schedules
differ widely among themselves in both the absolute and the relative
rating of the same injuries; because certain jurisdictions have no
official schedule, and the official schedules of other jurisdictions omit
many permanent injuries of common occurrence; because, finally, no
one of these schedules gives an adequate rating to permanent disa
bilities. The use of any one of these schedules would understate the
relative hazard of extrahazardous industries, while the use of all of
them together would produce severity rates as little capable of com
bination or comparison as the official accident rates of Massachusetts
and the German Empire.
The committee, in the course of its investigation, carefully com
pared all of the American specific indemnity schedules as well as
the French and German adjudications, the Austrian official ratings,
the scale of the Italian law, the Russian scale, and the European
scales of Imbert, Miller, Bahr, Thiem, and Konen-Kdln.2 It was
2
found that none of the existing schedules is derived from a statis
tical studv of loss of earnings as the result of injury. The best oi
the American schedules are based upon local investigations of lim
ited scope or are borrowed from European scales, which in turn
represent averages of awards in various countries more or less modi
fied by medical or otherwise expert judgment.2 The committee,
3
after mature deliberation, was unable to recommend any one of these
scales in its entirety. It is the unanimous judgment of the committee
that the American schedules, without exception, underrate the more
serious permanent injuries, such as loss of hand, leg, or eye, and that
the European scales overrate such minor injuries as the loss of fingers
and toes. These considerations appeared to warrant the construction
of the composite scale appended to this report.
8 Massachusetts is a partial exception, as are also Pennsylvania and other States, as respects nononu
1
merated injuries. Such exceptions, however, are ratlrr de jure than de facto.
2 For a comparison of these scales, see Bulletin 240 of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, p. 59
2
et seq.
23 b'ee article entitled “ Determination of the consequences of industrial accidents in Austria,” in M o n t h l y
R e v i e w of t h e United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, December, 1916, p. 731 et seq.

7 6

S T A N D A R D IZ A T IO N

O F

IN D U S T R IA L

A C C ID E N T

S T A T IS T IC S .

The schedule recommended is less detailed than several of the ex
tant lists, but is believed to be sufficient for its purpose. In adjudg
ing compensation it is customary and proper to distinguish between
the loss of an index and a ring finger and between the loss of one
phalanx and an entire digit. But these refinements are quite unim
portant for the calculation of accident severity rates by industries
or occupations. Permanent injuries to the fingers are very numerous
and they occur in an endless variety of combinations. In any con
siderable exposure, however, it will be found that the relative fre
quency of the many specific finger injuries do not greatly vary, so
that an average value for all will give nearly the same aggregate time
loss as a specific value for each.2
4
D IS A B IL IT Y F O R P A R T IC U L A R O C C U P A T IO N S N O T C O N S ID E R E D .

It will be observed that the scale recommended takes no account
of occupational differences. The committee recognizes, of course,
that the same physical injury causes more serious disability for some
occupations than for others, but these differences are believed not
to be significant from the standpoint of accident severity or of in
dustrial hazard. The committee scale is not intended to serve as a
basis for awarding compensation but as a standard for comparing
the severity of accidental injuries and the accident hazards of in
dustrial employments. The loss of a leg indicates an accident
of the same severity whether it befall a stevedore or an elevator
operator, and the annual loss of 10 index fingers per thousand full
time workers points to the same degree of hazard in one industry as
another. In fine the committee concludes that the severity of acci
dental injuries must be adjudged from their physiological effects and
that the average time loss produced by each physiological class of in
juries is the fairest common measure both of accident severity and of
industrial hazards.
SUM M ARY.

To sum up, the committee recommends that a severity weight be
assigned to each industrial accident. In the case of a temporary
disability this weight is the actual duration of disablement in working-days. For a death or a permanent total disabilit}^ the severity
weight is the working life expectancy, which is taken at the average
value of 6,000 w
rorking-days. For a permanent partial disability
the weight is an aliquot part of 6,000 working-days, proportionate
to the average degree of disability resulting from the particular
bodily impairment involved. The aggregate time loss so obtained,
divided by the number of hours of exposure ("hours worked), is the
accident severity rate. This rate is usually expressed in terms of
days lost per thousand hours’ exposure. In cases where this computa
tion results in a very small rate it is sometimes more convenient to
express it in terms of multiples of 1,000.
The severity rate above described would serve all the purposes of
an index number of occupational hazards. It would afford, for the
first time, a common basis for the comparison of accident experience
2 The average values recommended for permanent injuries to fingers, thumbs, and toes were calculated
4

from the very detailed statistics of the Industrial Commission of Wisconsin.

M E T H O D

O F

C O M P U T IN G

F R E Q U E N C Y

A N D

S E V E R IT Y

R A T E S .

from year to year, from industry to industry, from establishment to
establishment, and from State to State. It should prove a powerful
stimulus to safety first by providing a concrete test of results. Ap
plied to compensation insurance, it would furnish, what has hitherto
been lacking, a statistical basis for both schedule and experience
rating.
No one will claim perfection for the scheme here proposed. In
telligent opinions will differ on many of the points involved. The
relative severity of accidental injuries must always be a matter for
experienced judgment rather than mathematical calculation. For
that very reason, however, the collective judgment of competent sta
tisticians is a safer guide than the opinion ol the best informed in
dividual. Above all, the problem is one in which uniformity is more
important than meticulous accuracy. If the schedule of relative
weights is reasonable upon the whole, and is uniformly applied, the
results will be sufficiently accurate for all practical purposes. The
scale is as follows :
SCALE OF TIME LOSSES FOR W EIG H T IN G IN D U ST R IA L ACCIDENT D ISABILITIES SO
AS TO SHOW S E V E R IT Y OF ACCIDENTS.

Nature of injury.

Death..........................................................................................................
Permanent total disability....................................................................
Arm above elbow, dismemberment....................................................
Arm at or below elbow, dismemberment..........................................
Hand, dismemberment..........................................................................
Thumb, any permanent disability of.................................................
Any one finger, any permanent disability of....................................
Two fingers, any permanent disability of..........................................
Three fingers, any permanent disability of.. .................................
Four fingers, any permanent disability of.........................................
Thumb and one finger, any permanent disability of......................
Thumb and two fingers, any permanent disability of....................
Thumb and three fingers, any permanent disability of.................
Thumb and four fingers, any permanent disability of...................
Leg above knee, dismemberment........................................................
Leg at or below knee, dismemberment..............................................
Foot, dismemberment............................................................................
Great toe, or any two or more toes, any permanent disability of.
One toe, other than great toe, any permanent disability of..........
One eye, loss of sight...............................................................................
Both eyes, loss of sight...........................................................................
One ear, loss of hearing...........................................................................
Both ears, loss of hearing........................................................................

Degree of
disability
in per cent
of
permanent
total
t disability.

i
i
I

Days lost.

100
100
75
60
50
10
5
12J
20
30
20
25
334
40
75
50
40

6,000
6,000
4,500
3,600
3,000
600
300
750
1,200
1,800
1,200
1,500
2,000
2,400
4,500
3,000
2,400
300

o
30
100
10
50

1,800
6,000
600
3,000

(1) Injuries not involving amputation should be rated as a proportion of the weight
assigned to the entire loss of the member in volved, in accordance with the degree of
impairment.
(2) The weighting for impairment of function of any member should be such per
centage of the weighting for dismemberment as may be determined b y the adjudicating
authority in fixing the compensation for such impairment—i. e., if loss of an arm is
compensated by 240 weeks' indemnity, then an impairment of the arm for which 160
weeks’ compensation was paid should rate as two-thirds of the loss of the arm in the
above scale.
(3) Hernia should be included only as a temporary disability on the basis of the
actual time lost.
(4) For the weighting of temporary disabilities the actual duration of disability in
calendar days less one-seventh should be used.

APPENDIX L— METHODS OF COMPARING COMPENSATION
COST.®
B y E. H.

D ow ney,

C o m p e n s a t io n A c t u a r y ,
P e n n s y l v a n ia ,

In su ra n ce

D e p a rtm e n t

Ease and diversity of social experimentation is commonly thought by the admirers
of#a federal system of government to be one of its outstanding advantages. Successful
experiments, so it is claimed, will be widely imitated while those that prove dis
advantageous will expend their untoward results within a restricted area. Whatever
be the merits of this theory, its practical working is admirably illustrated b y the
workmen’s compensation system of the United States and Canada. Every known
form of insurance and every imaginable diversity in the scale of benefits is somewhere
being tried within the confines of North America. It only remains to make this
superabundant experimentation fruitful by providing facilities for the comparative
study of results.
A comparative study of compensation cost in different jurisdictions and under
different plans of insurance should throw much light upon the questions: What is a
reasonable scale of benefits? What is the most effective administrative organization?
Which is the most efficient type of insurance carrier? To serve these several uses, the
comparative study must comprise at least the following four analyses:
(1) Total cost of the compensation system;
(2) Cost of compensation insurance;
(3) Administrative as distinguished from insurance cost ;
(4) Compensation benefits in relation to wages lost on account of industrial injuries.
Obviously, such a comparison can be made only upon the basis of uniform statistical
and accounting methods. Much of the work of your statistical committee for the past
several years has converged upon this problem, and the standard tabulations recom
mended by that committee, if consistently carried out, would afford the data requisite
for intelligent comparisons. It is the object of the present paper not to propose further
statistical tabulations, but merely to outline in some detail the analyses needful to a
comprehensive view of compensation cost.
1. T O T A L . C O S T O F C O M P E N S A T I O N S Y S T E M .

The entire cost of the compensation system consists in the benefits paid to injured
workmen and their dependents (including the cost of medical care), the expenses and
profits of insurance carriers, the analogous expenses of noninsured employers, and the
cost of administrative supervision on the part of the State. No comparison of com
pensation cost in different jurisdictions which leaves any of these elements out of the
account can be either adequate or conclusive. Y et it is perhaps not too much to say
that a full statement of compensation cost is nowhere disclosed b y the published records
of any State or Province in North America. Even the gross amount of compensation
benefits incurred in any given period is known for comparatively few jurisdictions.
Some States give full returns for insurance carriers, omitting the experience of non
insured employers, which is commonly from one-fourth to one-half of the total; others
omit all medical and hospital costs; others, still, publish the amount of compensation
awarded within the year irrespective of the year of occurrence of the injuries for which
the awards are made. The overhead expenses of private insurance carriers are pu b
lished by some half dozen States; the analogous expenses of noninsured employers
are nowhere a matter of record. Administrative costs, lastly, are published in some
detail b y a few boards and commissions, but is a wholly unknown quantity in those
States which are blessed with court administration. In short, the present state of
public records is such that any attempt to compare gross compensation cost as between
any two jurisdictions, however conscientiously made, will yield only conjectural
results
2, COST OF C O M P E N S A T IO N IN S U R A N C E .

The cost of compensation insurance is to be distinguished, on the one hand, from the
benefits paid to injured workmen and their dependents and, on the other hand, from
the cost of governmental administration. Neglect of these obvious distinctions has
befuddled many attempted comparisons of insurance costs.
® Paper submitted to the seventh annual meeting of the I. A. I. A. B. C. at San Francisco, Calif.,
Sept. 20-24, 1920, as the Sixth Report of the Committee on Statistics and Compensation Insurance Cost.

M E T H O D S

O F

C O M P A R IN G

C O M P E N S A T IO N

C O S T.

From a social standpoint the crucial question is the relative efficiency of difterent
t>pes of insurance carriers, which in its cost aspect resolves itself into the relative cost
of paying the same benefits and performing the same insurance services. Insurance
cost, in this sense, is the difference between premiums and benefits, commonly
spoken of as the expense ratio. To compare expense ratios, however, it is first of all
necessary to obtain an accurate measure of both premiums and benefits.
Compensation insurance is primarily a means of securing the payment of compensa
tion benefits and of distributing the cost thereof among insured employers. Most
insurance carriers, in addition, undertake to investigate and adjust compensation
claims, to make the actual payments, and to promote industrial safety by inspections
and propaganda. The several types of insurance carriers— stock, mutual, and State
fund— differ among themselves m the degree in which these services are performed,
in the sources from which their revenues are drawn, and in the expenses imposed upon
them b y their methods of doing business. Private insurance companies, whether
stock or mutual, derive their whole revenue from premium incom e,1.are usually sub
ject to tax, and are burdened with heavy competitive expenses. State funds, whether
com petitive or monopolistic, are tax-exempt and often receive a substantial subsidy
from the State; monopolistic funds are further favored by exemption from the very
heavy selling^ costs imposed upon all com petitive insurers. Participating carriers,
lastly, including State funds, return to their policyholders, in the form of “ dividends, ”
any excess of premium collections over actual requirements. Any fair comparison of
insurance costs must evidently take account of these differences and must reduce the
premiums of the several forms of insurance, so nearly as may be, to a common denomi
nator.
(a) The cost to the public of stock company insurance is represented by premiums
less taxes.2
(■ The cost of mutual insurance (including reciprocal and participating stock com
b)
pany insurance) is represented b y premiums less taxes and dividends to policy holders.
For the present purpose an earned surplus which is indubitably held for the benefit
of policyholders is to be accredited to dividends.
(c)
The cost of State fund insurance is represented by premiums, less dividends to
policyholders, plus any subsidy received from the State.
In the case of several monopolistic funds such subsidy is to be distinguished from
the cost of administering the compensation act, apart from State insurance.3 Where
no separation of functions is made in the published accounts the cost of compensation
administration may perhaps be taken as a fair offset to the premium tax paid by
private insurance companies.
Against the premiums as thus ascertained are to be set the benefits paid or payable
by insurance carriers. Here, again, pains must be taken to secure comparable figures.4
The more severe disabilities and costly claims mature slowly, so that those incurred
in any given year can not be ascertained with much accuracy until the lapse of a con
siderable time. Even on matured losses a period of four or five consecutive years is
necessary to give representative results. Furthermore, private insurance companies
state their losses, other than life pensions, at terminal values, i. e., without discount
ing future payments for interest and mortality. This method of statement, as a matter
of course, considerably exaggerates the amount of compensation, particularly in the
low-benefit States. A ny accurate comparison must reduce all losses to a uniform
present-value basis by the use of standard interest, mortality, and remarriage tables.5
The difference between benefits incurred and premiums earned, when ascertained
upon a uniform basis, constitutes the true cost of compensation insurance. It is
obvious from what has been said as to the lack of uniform statistical and accounting
methods that no exact comparison can at present be made as among the several types
of insurance carriers. Roughly, however, it may be said that the expenses and profits
of stock companies, after deducting taxes, will average, over a period of years, about
35 per cent of premiums, or 60 per cent of benefits. The corresponding expense ratio
1 Investment earnings, of course, bulk lar^c in the income of insurance companies, but Hie investments
themselves are derived ultimately from premium income.
2 State and Federal taxes range in different jurisdictions from 2h per cent to 5 per cent of premiums. A
fair average is 3J per cent of stock company premiums.
3 Compare Downey, Audit of the Ohio State Fund, p. 48.
* The tabulations of premiums and losses compiled from the annual statements of insurance carriers and
disseminated by such publications as “ Bests” and the “ Spectator” are simply crude misinformation.
5 The several mortality tables in use for computing compensation annuities—the American Experience
Table, the British Healthy Males Table, the Danish Survivorship Annuitants’ Table, and the Carlisle
Table—all differ markedly among themselves. Probably the General Population Mortality Table, con
structed from the United States Census, would be more suitable for the purpose than any of the foregoing.
The interest rates used for compensation reserves are likewise variously taken at 3, 32. and 4 per cent.
?

APPENDIX I.

of reputable mutual companies 6 varies from 15 to 20 per cent of premiums or from 25
to 33J per cent of benefits, and the management expenses of State funds range from
5 to 15 per cent of premiums and from 6 to 25 per cent of benefits. Stated in other
terms, the overhead cost of carrying $1 in compensation benefits is about 60 cents b y
the stock company plan, 25 or 30 cents by the mutual insurance plan, and something
less than 10 cents b y the plan of compulsory State insurance. How far these wide
discrepancies in expense ratios are offset by a difference in insurance services is, in
the present state of statistical records, mainly a matter of opinion. It does not appear,
however, from any evidence in hand that the private insurance companies are more
liberal in the settlement of compensation claims or more prompt in the making of
payments thereon or more secure against ultimate insolvency than the compulsory
State funds.
To employers the most interesting comparison of insurance costs is that between
net premium rates. Within a single jurisdiction such comparisons are readily mad#
and are a legitimate selling argument. As between different jurisdictions, however,
a fair comparison o f premium rates is next to impossible. In the first place, the pub
lished or manual rates of private insurance companies are subject to increase or de
crease b y merit rating, with decreases decidedly preponderating. The amount of
such decreases, and consequently the ratio of effective to manual rates, varies markedly
from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Thus in Pennsylvania the correspondence between
manual and effective rates is much closer than in New York, whereas in Illinois there
is scarcely any definable relationship between manual rates and the rates actually
collected. In the second place, the classifications are by no means uniform even as
between private insurance carriers and still less so as between monopolistic and private
insurance carriers. Manifestly no fair comparison can be made between the Penn
sylvania rate of $3.85 for stevedoring and the New York rate of $27 for stevedoring,
n. o. c., because the Pennsylvania rate covers all longshore employees, whereas the
New York manual provides a half-dozen rates, from 79 cents to $27, all applicable to
the same employees on the same job. Furthermore, the distribution of premiums as
between stock and mutual companies, and the mutual dividend rate, vary from State
to State and from one industry to another, which variations are not disclosed in the
published reports of any State. Lastly, the scale of compensation benefits is different
for every State and for every class of injury, insomuch that no ready conversion of
one to another is at all possible. For all these reasons premium rate comparisons
between States as commonly made are calculated rather to mislead than to inform.
The object sought in such comparisons— to show the saving effected by one-*type of
insurance as against some other—is far more accurately and more readily attained b y
the method of expense ratios already explained.

3. ADMINISTRATIVE, AS DISTINGUISHED FROM INSURANCE COST.
Under whatever system of insurance, the State commonly provides some sort of
tribunal for the adjudication of claims and exercises some supervision over claim
payment and over the direct settlement of those claims w hich do not com e before a
pu blic tribunal for formal adjudication. Many States, further, undertake to supervise
the rates and reserves of private insurance carriers. There is also com m only some
attempt, at least ostensibly, to com pile statistics of industrial accidents. These func
tions are here subsumed under the rubric “ Compensation Adm inistration.” The
cost of compensation administration as so defined is nowhere large in proportion to
the volume of compensation payments—probably from 2 to 5 per cent of compensa
tion benefits. The precise cost, however, is nowhere readily ascertainable.
Administrative costs include the salaries of officials and employees engaged in com
pensation administration, traveling expenses incident thereto, rent, heat, light,
postage, telegraph, telephone and express charges, office equipm ent, supplies, and
printing. Where, as is often the case, office space, heat, light, janitor service, equip
ment, supplies, and printing are not charged to the specific appropriation of the ad
ministrative board or department, the fair value thereof should be approximated or
the exclusion of these items clearly noted in the published reports. Court costs are
likewise to be taken account of— a very considerable, even if unascertainable, item
in those jurisdictions which rely upon common-law courts for the adjudication of
compensation claims.
Accounting methods of the several States are so extremely* diverse and so many
items of expenditure are habitually omitted from the published reports that com
parative statements of administrative cost are little to be trusted. Even were all
6 Some mutual companies show an expense ratio as high as 40 per cent of premiums, but this is to be
attributed to exploitation of the mutual plan by insurance r romoters.

METHODS OF COMPARING COMPENSATION COST.

expenditures known, comparisons would be worse than useless without a clear analysis
of the administrative work actually performed. In direct cost to taxpayers, court
adjudication without any administrative supervision of claim settlement, as in Ala
bama, is doubtless cheaper than any effective administration— as it is also indubitably
more productive of unconscionable settlements and of w h o le s a le short changing in
the payment of claims. B y the same token, the administrative board w hich most
nearly approaches the faineant ideal of common-law courts, w ill make the most favor
able showing in point of minimum expense. To serve any useful purpose, in short,
administrative accounts must exhibit the volume and quality of work performed as
well as the itemized cost thereof— the number of cases disposed of and how, the
number of claims disallowed and why, the number of hearings postponed, adjourned,
or appealed, the amount of attorneys’ fees approved, the usual time required for the
adjudication of an ordinary disputed claim, and, above all, the effective waiting
period, or length of tim e elapsed upon an average between the occurrence of a com
pensable injury and the actual commencement of payments. For this latter purpose
a frequency distribution of waiting periods, as well as the weighted average for differ
ent insurance carriers, w ill be highly useful. It is a singular fact that this vital matter
of promptness of claim payment has been consistently ignored in the heated conten
tions over the relative merits of State and private insurance. The fragmentary and
scattered data heretofore published7 appear to indicate that the record of all insur
ance carriers under this head— stock, mutual, and State funds—is intolerably bad,
but that noninsured employers bear the palm for willful neglect, delay, and short
changing of claimants.

4. COMPENSATION BENEFITS IN RELATION TO WAGES LOST.
Compensation benefits under different laws may be compared either for the purpose
of measuring the relative adequacy or inadequacy of the benefits themselves or for
the purpose of determining proper relative insurance rates. Comparison of benefits
with respect to adequacy is of deep social significance but has heretofore received little
attention; comparisons for the purpose of insurance rate making or of exhibiting or
explaining differences in insurance cost are extremely common and controversial.
The common method of making such comparisons, down to a very recent date, wab
the theoretical “ law differential,” which purported to show the relative cost of com
pensating 100,000 accidents in an assumed “ standard” distribution of severity of
injury.8 Law differentials so obtained, expressed in the form of flat multipliers,
have "been applied indiscriminately to all industries, and have been made the basis,
not merely of comparison between compensation acts as a whole, but of innumerable
insurance rate computations.9
The fallacies of this method are too obvious and too generally admitted to require
extended discussion. No two compensation acts, among the 50 or more in the United
States and Canada, stand in uniform relationship as respects death benefits, permanent
total disability benefits, permanent partial disability benefits, minor dismemberment
benefits, temporary disability benefits, and medical benefits. The nominal percent
age of wages, the weekly and total minima and maxima, the waiting period, the basis
of compensation for death and permanent disability, the period for which such com
pensation shall continue, the time and money limits upon medical aid— all vary
w idely and erratically from State to State in such wise that no conversion multiplier
which holds for one class of injuries will hold for any other. As between New York
and Pennsylvania, e. g ., the aggregate ratio of benefits is probably in the neighborhood
of 2 : 1. But the ratio of death benefits is more nearly 1.5 :1 ; of permanent total
disability benefits, 4 : 1; of specific indemnities for loss of hand, 2.4 : 1; for loss of eye,
1.7 : 1; of medical benefits, perhaps 1.10 :1 .
A flat or average law differential is thus necessarily a composite of dissimilar ratio*,
and will hold only for those industries which conform to the “ standard ” distribution
of accidents with respect to severity of injury. But no given industry does in fact
conform to this standard. A glance at the accompanying table will show the extreme
divergence of representative industries in the proportion of each kind of benefits to
7 For Illinois, in the Annual Reports of the Industrial Accident Board; for Ohio, in Audit of the Ohio
State Fund; for Pennsylvania, in Monthly Labor Review of U. S. Department of Labor.
8 The “ Standard Accident Table” for this purpose was constructed by Dr. I. M. Rubinow, and the
finished method of “ law differentials” was mainly his work. An earlier computation by very similar
methods, based upon Wisconsin experience, was published by the present writer and Mr. S. Bruce Black
in the August, 1913, Bulletin of the Industrial Commission of Wisconsin.
9 If,e. g., the “ law differential” for Pennsylvania is 1.35 and for Ohio 1.85, the method assumes that the
1 85

compensation cost per $100 pay roll for any industry under the Ohio law is
experienced under the Pennsylvania law.

180864°—20— Bull. 276------ 6

or 1.37 of the cost

A P P E N D IX

total compensation cost. Since the ratio of benefits as between any two States—e. g.,
New York and Pennsylvania—is^ different for each class of injuries and since the
severity distribution of injuries is different for each industry, no composite ratio
which is true for the aggregate of all industries will hold for any given industry. Since,
moreover, the industry distribution of the two States is very different, a flat differ
ential computed upon a theoretical standard distribution of industries is true for
neither. Theoretical law differentials, in short, however computed and for whatso
ever purpose used, are a delusion and a snare.
PROPORTION OF EACH K IND OF BEN EFITS TO TOTAL COMPENSATION
PE N N SY L V A N IA COM PENSATION INSURANCE E X P E R IE N C E , 1916-1918.

COST,

Percentage attributable to—

Industry classification.

All industries.....................
Anthracite mining............
Bituminous mining..........
Stone quarrying................
All manufacturing............
Blast furnaces....................
Rolling mills......................
Iron foundries....................
Machine shops...................
W oolen manufacturing...
Silk manufacturing..........
Brick manufacturing........
Glassware manufacturing
Building construction___
Masonry n . o . c ..................
Carpentry n. o. c ...............
Structural iron erecting..
Department stores............

Pay roll
exposed
(000
omitted).

$2 724,709
49,661
263,689
22,477
166,432
10,410
78,437
34,690
75,441
35,273
49,919
26,107
20,895
170,399
10,715
15,854
3,575
57,320

Total
compensa
tion cost.

Death
and
perma
nent
total
disa
bility.

Major
perma
nent
disa
bility.

Tem
porary
disa
bility.

Medical
bene
fits.

$19,853,597
1,369,461
4,783,283
416,580
6,962,619
172,138
552,514
308,157
505,951
113,943
48,897
238,761
55,709
2,042,345
184,574
257,976
179,775
78,035

23
16
16
17
32
21
26
30
39
31
40
20
54
19
18
30
15
29

The so-called “ experience differential”1 is but a refinement upon the theoretical
0
law differential and is subject to much the same weaknesses, though not to the same
degree. By this method death and permanent total disability benefits are taken at
the average value developed by the experience of the State and industry for which
insurance rates are to be projected while other benefits are compared by means of a
complex calculation which may be briefly expressed as follows:
_______Pa. losses____________
1[New York'pay roll XPa. pure premium 1
1
*I
New York losses
Pa. pay rollXN. Y. pure premium.
These two computations are carried out for each of a selected group of representa
tive industries and the mean of the two composite ratios, or some correction thereof or
approximation thereto, is selected as the true law differential or “ conversion multi
plier” for all industries deemed to be analogous in respect to the severity distribution
of injuries. Such conversion multipliers may be computed separately for each
class of benefits or two or more kinds of benefits may be lumped together. In either
case the resultant multipliers are used to convert the losses experienced in one State
to the level of benefits obtaining in the other.
Detailed criticism of this method of comparing compensation costs would be out of
place in the deliberations of this body and would far overpass reasonable bounds.
Suffice it to say that the method is inapplicable to permanent partial disabilities
and is inadequate for the comparison of either temporary disability or medical bene
fits. It is inapplicable because the rates and periods of compensation allowed by
1 The experience differential method was suggested so far back as the general rate conference (augmented
0
standing committee) of 1917 by Messrs. A. H. Mowbray and S. Bruce Black. It was first applied by the
Pennsylvania Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau in 1918. The method has since been devel
oped and reined by Messrs. A. H. Mowbray, W . W . Greene, George Moore, and others, and was applied
by the National Council of Workmen’s Compensation Insurance in the general rate revision of 1920.
1 Pure premium —- i - .3 ■
1
— •.
*
pay roll

METHODS OF COMPARING COMPENSATION COST.

different acts for the several classes of permanent partial disabilities, as loss of arm,
hand, leg, foot, eye, or fingers, bear no constant ratio 1 and because the frequency
2
distribution of these injuries is different for different industries, injuries to the eye
predominating in quarries, coal mines, and foundries, injuries to the hand in bakeshops, laundries, and woodworking establishments, finger injuries in paper-box and
sheet-metal ware manufacturing. (See Table 2.) The method is inadequate even for
medical and temporary disability benefits because the conversion ratios for these
benefits under different laws vary with wage levels and with the frequency distribu
tion of disabilities in respect to duration. The true conversion multiplier for any
class of injuries as between different scales of benefits is not the same for anthracite
as for bituminous mining, for iron foundries as for steel foundries, for carpentry as for
concrete work, for drivers and chauffeurs as for retail stores. The method of exper
ience differentials breaks down in practice because it necessarily assumes a com
posite or average ratio, the same for all or for many industries, whereas the true ratio
is specific to each industry.
FR E QU EN C Y D ISTR IBUTION OF P E R M AN EN T PA R T IA L DISABILITIES,
P E N N SY L V A N IA COM PENSATION INSURANCE E X P E R IE N C E , 1916-1918.

T a b l e 2.—

Per cent of all major permanents involving loss or
loss of use of—
Industry.
Arm.

All industries...............
Anthracite mining___
Bituminous mining. . .
Quarrying.....................
All manufacturing___
Baking...........................
Rolling mills.................
Steel foundries.............
Machine shops.............
Planing mills...............
Building construction.

Leg.

Hand.

27
08
15
07
32
60
20
17
23
56
20

07
08
05
03
12
30
12
08
06
17
10

Foot.

05
12
10
07
03

09
12
19
13
06

06
04
02
01
13

Eye.

50
43
45
68
47
05
50
54
66
22
40

12
10
05
02
17

There is but one reasonably accurate method of comparing compensation cost under
contrasted scales of benefit: By actually applying both scales to the accident experience
of the same industry in the same jurisdiction. If it be desired, e. g., to ascertain the
probable cost of compensation for bituminous coal mining in Pennsylvania under the
New York scale of benefits, it would be necessary to make an individual valuation, under
the New York scale, of the deaths and permanent disabilities experienced in the
bituminous mines of Pennsylvania 1 and to make a similar valuation of temporary
3
disabilities and minor perma,nents distributed into wage and duration groups. For
medical benefits, lastly, the effect of the differing time and money limits would have
to be evaluated from a cost-per-case distribution, such as recommended in Table 5 of
your committee on statistics. The same procedure applied to the aggregate accident
experience of Pennsylvania would give a measure of the total difference in cost be
tween the two scales of benefits. The ratio so obtained, however, would not hold for
particular industries nor would the reciprocal of this ratio hold for the aggregate acci
dent experience of New York.
1 The specific indemnity periods (number of weeks) for enumerated major permanent disabilities in
2
the New York and Pennsylvania acts compare as follows:
Pennsylva
nia.
Loss
Loss
Loss
Loss
Loss

of arm............................................................................................
.............................................................
of hand..................
of leg..............................................................................................
of foot............................................................................................
of eye............................................................................................

215
175
215
150
125

New York.

312
244
288
205
128

Ratio.»

2.41
2.32
2.23
2.28
1.71

« Having regard to wage limits.
A very competent actuary, taking the actual dependency and wage distribution of 800 fatalities in
Pennsylvania coal mines, estimated the average increase in death benefits by the compensation act amend*
ment of 1919 at 10 per cent. An individual valuation of the same cases showed that the actual average in
crease was only 5 per cent.

APPENDIX I.

The statistical method of benefit comparison is so laborious and involves so much
detailed analysis that it is not likely to be employed unless for the purposes of some
special study or for insurance rate making. Insurance companies have hitherto re
sorted to unscientific and inaccurate short cuts because they have been unwilling to
compile intelligible statistics of their own experience. If, however, compensation
insurance rate making is ever to be placed upon a scientific footing, detailed statistical
analyses of accident experience can not be avoided.
Comparisons of compensation insurance cost and of benefit scales for mere ratemaking purposes have played a part in public discussions altogether disproportionate
to their real importance. From a social standpoint the decisive fact of any compen
sation system is not its aggregate nor its relative cost, but the relationship of the benefits
paid thereunder to the economic loss imposed upon wageworkers by reason of indus
trial injuries. To make good this loss is the professed object of the compensation
system; for any shortcoming therein low insurance rates are, socially considered, but
a poor recompense.
To the wage earner and his family the direct cost of an industrial injury is the wage
loss during disability plus the cost of medical and hospital care. In cases of death or
permanent disability* neither wage loss nor the capitalized value of earnings can it is
true, be accurately ascertained. Wages of the same individual fluctuate from time to
time and periods of unemployment are of uncertain incidence. Nevertheless, just as
earnings at the time of injury are made the basis of compensation, so the same earnings
will serve for an approximate estimate of wage loss.
For this purpose wage loss on account of temporary disability may be taken at the
number of weeks’ disability times the average weekly earnings of the injured. For
death or permanent total disability, wage loss may be taken at the present value of the
average weekly earnings of the injured for his working-life expectancy. The wage
loss on account of permanent partial disability may be estimated by applying the scale
of severity rating recommended by your committee on statistics.
It will not be claimed that such a computation is meticulously accurate. It will,
however, give a standard gauge of the adequacy of compensation. By applying
such a computation to the accident experience of a given jurisdiction and comparing
the total with the compensation paid or payable for the same accidents we will ob
tain an index of the adequacy of the compensation system in that jurisdiction and
this index will be directly comparable with the like index for other jurisdictions.
If such a computation should give an index of compensation to wage loss equivalent,
pay, to 0.40 for New York, 0.30 for Ohio, and 0.20 for Pennsylvania, these three index
numbers would give at once a useful comparison of compensation cost and a measure
of the inadequacy of compensation benefits in each of these States. It could be
fairly said, not only the benefit scales of these three States, taken as a whole, stand in
the ratios to each other of 40, 30 and 20, respectively, but that each and all fall greatly
short of reasonably adequate compensation.
I
am convinced that your association could do nothing of broader public useful
ness than to establish such a standard gauge of adequacy. State officials, employers,
legislators, and the public have been very complacent with respect to the American
compensation system. The public press, as also most discussions of the subject,
leave the impression that the nominal percentage of wages expressed in the com
pensation acts represent the actual relationship between compensation and wage
loss. So in the legislative hearings in Pennsylvania it was repeatedly emphasized
that the act of 1915 aimed to divide the cost of industrial accidents equally as between
employers and employees and the amendments of 1919 were objected to on the ground
that the nominal 60 per cent would increase the employer’s share to three-fifths. The
bald fact is that on any reasonable estimate of wage loss the benefits payable under
the Pennsylvania compensation act of 1919 will amount to not more than 20 per cent
of the economic cost of industrial accidents, to say nothing of occupational diseases.
The individual wage earner and his family in Pennsylvania still bears, not one-half,
but four-fifths of the wage loss incident to industrial injuries. Even in New York
industry pays much less than half of the direct economic loss imposed by work in
juries upon wage earners. These facts should be brought forcibly before the public.
And nothing will make the facts so vivid as a tabulation of compensation in relation
ship to wage loss.
Whether the compensation insurance cost for bituminous coal mining is 3 per
cent, 5 per cent, or 10 per cent of wages is of very little social importance. The
effect upon the retail price of coal will be nearly negligible in any event. But
whether the victims of coal-mine accidents are to be thrown upon their resources or
provided for through an adequate compensation system is a matter of high public
moment. It is time to shift the interest of public administrative bodies from the
comparative cost of different plans of insurance to the adequacy of compensation
benefits.

APPENDIX II.— CAUSE OF INJURY CODE IN USE BY THE
UNITED STATES EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION COMMIS
SION AND SEVERAL OF THE STATES.
This code, established after several years’ careful study and experience in the tabu
lation of accident statistics, follows in general the classification formulated by the
committee on statistics and compensation insurance cost, except that the numerical
arrangement of the divisions, groups, and schedules have been reversed. For
statistical purposes it was desirable to reduce the number of divisions to 10, and
Groups III and IV of the committee’s classification—i. e., “ explosions, electricity,
fires, and hot substances” and “ Poisonous and corrosive substances and occupational
diseases”—have therefore been combined, making Group III; Group V of the com
mittee’s classification—i. e., falls of persons—becoming Group IV of this classifica
tion, etc.
In order to conform as nearly as possible to the classification adopted by the commit
tee, division No. 1 has not been designated in the code as such, for the reason that
all of the spaces were needed properly to describe the machine and the manner of
occurrence, but all mechanical injuries are recognized as division No. 1.
The mechanical code allows for greater detail in description of the cause of accident
than codes commonly in use for the reason that it specifies the manner of occurrence
as well as the kind of machine on which the accident occurred, a detail which greatly
enhances the value of such statistics in accident prevention-work.
The mechanical code comprises five figures; the first two at the left are used for the
manner of occurrence, and should be coded according to the figures under that heading.
Under the heading of “ Adjusting or operating” the twelfth punch may be used as the
first figure in the manner of occurrence; under the heading “ Breaking” the X space
and the rest of the numbers as shown in the code should be used. In order to dis
tinguish mechanical from nonmechanical X should be used over the right-hand figure
of the mechanical code.
x
( E x a m p le .—Back firing of gasoline engine would be coded as follows: ^ 2 2 11
” over the right-hand digit
means in every instance a mechanical accident. By referring to the manner of occurrence code it will be
noted that R2, which means a punch in the twelfth and the second space, refers to back firing and the 211
under the head of power transmission refers to a gasoline engine.’)

In coding nonmechanical accidents the figures shown in front of each group should
be used. However, these figures should be modified in States having an unusual
amount of business producing a certain type of injuries. The code allows for expansion
and readjustment in such cases. In States in which lumbering is carried on exten
sively, for example, the predominance of injuries occurring in logging operations would
necessitate expansion of the code under the heading “ Falling objects.” In States
in which mining is carried on to a large extent more detail would have to be included
for mining injuries.
In Group III of the nonmechanical causes of accidents, relating to the poisonous
and corrosive substances, it will be noted that a single list is given including both, and
that the numbers in the fifth left-hand space designate the group in which the accident
belongs. This list is incomplete and will have to be amplified to meet the needs of the
jurisdiction using it. The list here given will serve, however, as a suggestion in
applying code numbers.
CAUSE OF INJURY CODE.
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION.

Mechanical code.
Manner of occurrence.
List of machines—
Prime movers.
Power-transmission apparatus.
Power working machinery.

APPENDIX II.

Nonmechanical code.
II. Vehicles.
III. Explosions, electricity, fire and hot substances and poisonous and corrosive
substances.
IV. Falls of persons.
V. Stepping on or striking against objects.
V I. Falling objects— not being handled b y injured.
V II. Handling of objects.
V III. Hand tools.
IX . Animals.
X. Miscellaneous.
M ECHANICAL CODE.
Manner

Adjusting or operating.
R1 Adjusting or operating.
R2 Backfiring.
R3 Dumping.
R4 Failure of current on magnet.
R5 Contact with current.
R6 Starting or stopping.
R7 Sudden starting or stopping of car.
R8 All other.
Breaking.
X I Apparatus.
X2 Belt.
X3 Flywheel.
X4 Machinery (part of).
X5 Emery wheel.
X6 Cable.
X7 Boom.
01 Caught by, n. o. c.
02 Belt and pulley.
03 Chain ana sprocket.
04 Clothing, loose.
05 Eccentrics.
06 Gears.
07 Gloves.
08 Gate or shaft.
09 Knife (reaching for article).
10 Knife (slipping into).
11 Needle or punch.
12 Set screws.
13 Shaft.
Cables.
14 Reeling and unreeling.
15 Overwinding.
16 Slipping.
17 Or rope or block.
18 Chainfall.
19 Car dumping.
20 Car rising too high.
21 Side of elevator shaft or fixed object.
22 Dumping due to sudden start or
stop while loading or unloading.
23 Caught between car and floor.
24 Load shifting after being placed on
car.
25 Other load accidents.
30 Falling objects, n. o. c.
31 Dropped from load.

O ccu rren ce.

30 Falling objects, n. o. c.— Concluded.
32 Load falling.
33
Cable slipping.
34
Cable or attachment breaking.
35
Machine breaking.
36
Hook slipping.
37
Hook breaking.
Into shaft.
38
From landing floor.
39
From car tipping.
40
From car not tipping.
41
From overhead equipm ent or
shaft.
42
From ledge or window.
43
On to car from ledge or window.
44
On to car from landing floor.
45
Part of machine (only such as are
caused b y mechanical devices).
46
Overturning.
47
From incline.
Fall of persons.
Into shaft.
50
From landing floor.
51
From car (tipping).
52
From car (not tipping).
53
From overhead equipment or
shaft.
54
From ledge or window.
55 From runway, n. o. c.
56 From cab, or going to or from cab.
57 From load, while riding thereon.
58 From empty hook or sling, while
riding thereon.
59 From crane, n. o. c.
60 Flying objects, n. o. c.
61 Part of machine (breaking or coming
loose).
62 Object set in motion by.
63 Struck by, n. o. c.
64 Belt.
65 Bucket.
Cable.
66
Attachments.
67
Breaking.
68
Slipping.
69
Reeling or unreeling.
70
Overwinding.

CAUSE OF INJURY CODE, ETC.

63 Struck b y , n. o. c.—Concluded.
Load—Concluded.
82
Falling.
83 Miscellaneous.
84 Elevator car in pit.
Boom.
85
Swinging.
86
Falling.
Miscellaneous, n. o. c.
90 Cleaning.
91 Contact.
92 Oiling.
93 Repairing.

63 Struck by, n. o. c.—Continued.
Cable—Concluded.
71 Sliver.
72 Standing in bite.
73 Counterweight.
74 Crank.
75 Lever.
76 Moving parts.
77 Pulley.
78 Shaft.
79 Wheel.
Load.
80 Moving.
81
Swinging.
L is t

X I.

M a c h in e s .
C . P O W E R -W O R K IN G M AC H IN ERY— COlltd.

PRIME M O V E R S.

I ll Steam engines.
211 Internal combustion engines
oil, or gasoline).
311 Electric motors and dynamos.
411 Compressed-air motors.
511 Water motors.
611 All other prime movers.

c. Glass-making machinery.
(gflB,

Shafts.
121 Shafts.
221 Shaft collarB, and couplings.
321 Shaft projections (set screws.
keys, and bolts).
Belts and puileys.
421 Wnile shifting belt.
521 While removing belt (not shift
ing).
621 Belt shifter.
721 All other.
Chains and sprockets.
731
Ropes, cables, sheaves, or drums.
831
Gears.
141 Cogs.
241 Cams.
341 Gears, n. o. c.
441 Friction wheels.
Other.
151 Counterweights.
C . P O W E R -W O R K IN G M AC H IN E R Y.

a. Brick-making machinery.

Brick cut-off machines.
Dry pans.
Molding machines.
Pug mills.
Brick presses (include
pressers).

b. Cement-making machinery.

122 Bag-filling machines.
222 Cement-block machines.
322 "Tube mills.

132
232
332
432
532

Bottle machines.
Polishing wheels.
Presses.
Rolls.
Surface-grinding machines.

d. Pottery-making machinery.

B . POWER-TRANSMISSTON APPARATUS.

112
212
312
412
512

142
242
342
442

Throwing wheels.
Jigs.
Filter presses.
Ball machines.
e. Stone and ore crushers.
152.
f. Stone and marble working machinery
other than crushers (n. o. c.).

162
262
362
462
562

Drills.
Planers.
Saws.
Rubbing beds.
Lathes.

g. Metal-working machinery.

All other metal-working machines.

113.

Abrasive wheels.

513.

Bending and straightening ma
chines.
123 Corrugating rolls.
223 Crimping rolls.
323 Other metal rolls.
423 Other bending and straighten
ing machines (not rolls).
Bolt and nut, pipe cutting, thread
ing, and tapping machines.
523.
Boring machines or mills (horizontal
and vertical, n. o. c.)
623
Drills (drill presses) (radial and up
right or goose neck).
723
Milling and gear-cutting machines.
133 Broaching machines.
233 Die sinkers.
333 Gear-cutting machines.
433 Key seaters.

APPENDIX II.
P O W E R -W O R K IN G M AC H IN E R Y — COIltd.

P O W E R -W O R K IN G M ACH IN ERY---- C O ntd.

g. Metal-working machinery—Continued.

g. Metal-working machinery—Concluded.

Milling and gear-cutting machines—
Continued.
533 Milling machines.
633 Profilers.
733 Slotters.
833 Other or indefinite.
Hammers and forging machines, n.
o. c.
143 Belt machines.
243 Droj) hammers.
343 Forging hammers.
443 Scrap breakers.
543 Swaging machines.
643 Upsetting machines, n. o. c.
743 Other or indefinite.
Lathes and automatic screw ma
chines.
153 Lathes, n. o. c.
253 Screw machines.
353 Turret lathes.
453 Multi-spindle.
553 Boring lathes.
653 Automatic.
753 Spinning.
Cleaning mills, tumblers or rumblers.
853
Molding machines (core, sand mixers,
temping, n. o. c.).
953
Planers and shapers.
163 Planers (bed).
263 Planers (rotary).
363 Shapers.
463 Engravers.
Polishers and buffers.
563
Portable power tools (pneumatic and
electric drills, hammers, and
riveters).
663
Presses (power), (including punch
es).
173 Presses (hydraulic, pneumatic,
and screw).
273 Buildoxers.
373 Button presses.
473 Draw presses.
573 Embossing presses.
673 Punch, stamping, and trim
ming presses.
773 Punch and eyeletting ma
chines.
873 Punches and riveting presses.
973 Other or indefinite.
Presses (foot and hand operated—no
mechanical power) n. o. c. (in
cluding shears).
183
283 Button presses.
Rolling mills (including blooming
mills).
383

Saws, n. o. c.
483 Saws, n. o. c.
583 Band.
683 Circular.
783 Hack.
883 Scroll and jig.
Shears, n. o. c.
983
Welding and heat cutting machines.
193
Wire-working machines.
293
Winding machines.
393
493 Cable-making machines, n.

o. c.

Wire and tube drawing machines.
593
Automatic can-making machines.
693
Topping machines.
793
h. Woodtuorking machines.

All other woodworking machines.
114
Bending machines.
214
Boring machines and drills.
314
Lathes, n. o. c.
024 Allother.
124 Spoke lathes.
224 Shoe-last machines.
324 Shaper lathes.
424 Cutter-head lathee.
• 524 Carving heads.
624 Button lathes.
Mortising machines, n. o. c.
034 All other.
134 Chain mortisers.
234 Chisel mortisers.
334
Pocket and boring machines.
Tenonirg, planing, and molding ma
chines, n. o. c.
144 Auto, blind slat (tenoner).
244 Jointers.
344 Matchers, molders, and stick
ers.
444 Planers.
544 Tenoning machines, n. o. c.
Saws, band, scroll, or jig, n. o. c.
154 Band.
254 Band resaw.
354 Jig or scroll.
Saws; circular and all other, n. o. c.
164 Circular (including dado and
rabbetting).
264 Gaining machine.
364 Gang circular (including edgers).
464 Lath bolter.
564 Swing.
664 Dovetailing.

CAUSE OF INJURY CODE, ETC.

P O W E R -W O R K IN G M ACH IN ERY— CO ntd.

h. Woodworking machines— Concluded.

Shapers (including special head cut
ters), n. o. c.
174 Core-box machines.
274 Shapers.
374 Variety machines.
Veneering machines (all kinds), n. o. c.
184 Veneer machines.
284 Peeler.
384’ Trimmer (knife).
484 Trimmer (saw).
Cooperage machines.
584
Brush a n d broom making machines.
684
Hogs.
784
Excelsior machines.
884
Presses, n. o. c.
194 Clamping machines.
294 Box mailers.
394 Box-board squeezers.
494 Door and blind clamps.
594 Hoop presses.
Sanding machines, n. o. c.
104 Belt (felloe and panel).
204 Disk.
304 Spindle and post.
404 Surface or drum.
Cork-working machines, n. o. c.
504 Band knife.
604 Cork-board cutters, block cut
ters, etc.
704 Cork-slicing machines.

i. Leather-working machines— Tanneries.
115
215
315
415
515
615
715
815
915
125
225
325

All other.
Buffing drums.
Other drums and paddle vats.
Fur-working machines.
Fleshing, shaving, and skiving
machines.
Jacks—felting, glassing, rolling,
etc.
Presses and baling machines.
Hair washing and drying ma
chines.
Setting up (or setting out) ma
chines.
Splitting machines.
Unhairing machines.
Extractors (centrifugal).

j. Leather products.

425
525
625
725
825
925

All other.
Cutting machines, n. o. c.
Punching and pressing machines.
Sewing machines.
Buffing and scouring machines.
All other shoemaking machines.

C . P O W E R -W O R K IN G M ACH IN ERY— C o n td .

k. Paper-making machines.

All other.

135

Barkers, chippers, splitters, and
grinders, n. o. c.
145 Barkers.
155 Chippers.
165 Grinders.
175 Splitters.
Beaters (including rag washers).
185
Screens.
195
Paper machines.
205 Other or indefinite.
215 Head box.
225 Apron.
235 Wire.
245 Suction roll.
255 Couch roll.
265 Dryers.
275 Calenders.
285 Doctors.
Rolls and winders.
295
Cutters and slitters.
305
Choppers
315
Digestors.
325
I. Paper-products machines.

All other.
335
345 Paper-cup machines.
355 Tube machines.
365
Twine-making machines.
Automatic box-making machines.
375

Covering machines.
385
Cutting and punching machines,
n. o. c.
395 All other.
405 Die cutters.
415 Guillotines.
425 Paper cutters (hand).
435 Perforators.
445 Punches.
455 Rotary cutters.
465 Saws.
475 Shears.
Doming and ending machines, n. o. c.
485 All other.
495 Doming machines.
505 Corregating
machines
(not
rolls).
515 Ending machines.
Corner staying machines.
525
Bag and envelope-making machines.
535

APPENDIX II.

C . PO W E R -W O R K IN G M ACH IN ERY— COIltd.

I. Paper-products machines—Concluded.

I. Paper-products machines—Continued.

Paper-finishing machines.
545
Embossing rolls or calenders (cross
index, rubber).
555
Embossing presses (cross index,
metal).
565
Printing and bookbinding machines—
composing machines.
575 All other.
585 Linotypes.
595 Monotypes.
605 Type casters.
Stamping and stencil-cutting ma
chines.
615
Gathering machines.
625
Presses (printing).
635 Web newspaper presses.
645 Flat bed cylinder presses.
655 Job platen presses.
665 Other printing presses.
Presses (binders), n. o. c.
675
Sewing and stitching machines,
n. o. c.
685 All other.
695 Wire stitchers.
705 Wire staplers.
Other printing machines.

71
5

Other bookbinding machines.
725
m.

Textile machines.

106 All other, n. o. c.
116 Washers.
126 Dryers.
Opening and cleaning machines,
n. o. c.
136 All other.
146 Openers.
156 Pickers.
166 Rag pickers.
176 Willow.
Carding and combing machines,
n. o. c.
186 All other.
196 Cards.
206 Combs.
216 Garnett machines.
226 Slubbers.
Spinning machines, n. o. c.
236 All other.
246 Jacks and mules.
256 Spinning frames.
266 Drawing frames.
Weaving machines, n. o. c.
276 All other.
286 Looms.
296 Wire-cloth looms.
306 Warpers.

p o w e r -w o r k in g

m a c h i n e r y — contd.

Dyeing, finishing, and printing ma
chines, n. o. c.
316 All other.
326 Pile-cutting machines.
336 Shearing machines.
Sewing machines.
346
Cloth cutting and stamping machines.
356
Hat-making machines.
366
Coating and inlaying machines (lino
leum, etc.; other coated fabric).
376
Winders, doublers, and quillers.
386
Braiding and knitting machines.
396
Rope-making machines.
406

n. Laundry machines.

All other.
416
Extractors.
426
Ironing machines, n. o. c.
436 All other.
446 Body ironers.
456 Flat-work ironers,
466 Manglers.
Washing machines (rotary).
476
o. Food-products machines.
107 All other.
117 Cleaning, preparing, and sorting
machines, n. o. c.
127 Milling and grinding machines,
n. o. c.
137 Mixing machines and mixing
kettles (dough, chocolate, etc.).
147 Cookers (not mixers) and ovens,
n. o. c.
157 Shaping and forming machines,
n. o. c.
167 Cutting machines, n. o. c.
177 Coating and polishing pans,
n. o. c.
187 Colanders (candy rolls, etc.),
n. o. c.
197 Crushers (ice crushers, etc.).
207 Barreling, bagging, packing, and
wrapping machines (automatic
and semiautomatic).
217 Bottling machines.
227 Tobacco-working machines.
237 Stamping presses, power oper
ated.
247 Stamping presses, foot and hand
operated.
257 Bleaching and blanching ma
chines.
267 Containers, washing and clean
ing machines.

CAUSE OF INJURY CODE, ETC.
C.

PO W ER -W O R K IN G M ACH IN ERY— COtttd.

p . Chemical-products machines.

Acids and salts.
277 All other.
287 Grinding machines.
297 Agitating mixers, vats, and
kettles (except paint and
pony mixers).
307 Machinery of recovery, such
as screens, sifters, filters,
and extractors—not centrifugal.
317 Furnaces, ovens, dryers, and
evaporators, mechanically
fed or operated.
327 Crushers.
337 Calenders.
347 Centrifugal extractors.
Soaps, greases, oils, and fertilizers.
357 All other.
367 Agitating mixers, vats, and
kettles (except paint and
pony mixers).
377 Soap-stamping presses, power
operated.
387 Soap-stamping presses, hand
and foot- operated.
397 Soap grinders.
407 Barreling, bagging, packing,
and wrapping machines.
417 Machinery of recovery, such
as sorters, sifters, filters, and
extractors—not centrifugal.
Drugs.
427 All other.
437 Grinding machines.
447 Mixers (except pony mixers).
457 Tablet presses and pill ma
chines.
467 Pony mixers.
Paints, varnishes, dry colors, inks,
and dyes.
477 All other.
487 Agitating vats and kettles.
497 Pony and paint mixers.
507 Grinding machines.
517 Machinery of recovery, such
as screens, sifters, filters, and
extractors—not centrifugal.
527 Furnaces and ovens, mechan
ically fed or operated.
537 Crushers.
547 Calenders.
557 Centrifugal extractors.
Rubber, celluloid, composition, pearl,
bone, and tortoise shell.
567 All other.
577 Calenders.
587 Tire and tube making ma
chines.
597 Hose making machines.
607 Rubber band choppers and
cutters.
617 Mixers, not of calender type.
627 Cutting and slitting machines.

p o w e r -w o r k in g

m a c h i n e r y —contd.

p. Chemical-products machines—Concld.

637 Tubing and hose wrapping
machines.
647 Tire wrapping machines.
657 Tumblers.
667 Presses, foot and hand oper
ated.
677 Tubing machines.
687 Punching and pressing ma
chines (press and dye type).
697 Cutting and punching ma
chines (guillotine typeV
707 Comb cutting machines and
ornament shapers.
717 Drills (button, etc.).
727 Grinding, washing, milling,
and cracking machines.
q. Mining and ore refining machines.

737 Sackett machines (gypsum prod
ucts).
747 All other.
r. Munition-working machines.

757
767
777
787

Powder grinders.
Powder presses.
Shell loading machines.
Reforming machines.
s. Hoisting apparatus.
Elevators.
108 Elevators, controlled.
118 Elevators,
automatic
and
dumb waiters.
128 Elevators, sidewalk.
138 All other.
Hoists, cages, cranes, derricks, and
conveyors.
Construction hoists and elevators,
not derricks.
148
Mine cages, skips, and buckets.
158 Mine cages.
168 Skips (quarry, blastfurnace,
cupola, etc., inclusive).
178 Buckets (coal, rock, dirt, etc.).
Cranes.
188 Cranes, locomotive.
198 Cranes, other traveling.
208 Derricks and jib cranes.
218 All other.
Miscellaneous.
228 Wood stackers.
238 Blocks and tackles, wind
lasses,
capstans,
and
winches, n. o. c.
248 Hay forks, derricks, and
stackers.
Conveyors.
258 Airhoists.
268 Overhead trolleys.
278 Belt and chain.
288 Screens.
298 Bucket.
308 Platform conveyors an-)
escalators.
318 All other.

92
C.

APPENDIX II.
POWER-WORKING MACHINERY— COIltd.

PO W E R -W O R K IN G M AC H IN ERY — C O ndd.

Miscella?ieous—Concluded.

t. Miscellaneous.

Construction machinery.
109 Concrete mixers.
119 Rock drills.
129 Pile drivers.
139 Road rollers.
149 Grouting
machines
and
cement guns.
159 Well drills.
169 All other.
Excavating machinery.
179 Trench and ditch digging
machines.
189 Steam shovels.
Special machinery.
199 Pumps.
209 Compressors.
219 Ice-manufacturing machinery.
229 Fans and blowers.

239 Turntables.
249 Automatic stokers.
259 All other.
Farming machinery.
269 Feed and ensilage cutting and
shredding machines.
279 Harvesters.
289 Thrashing machines.
299 Hay presses and balers.
309 Shelling machines.
319 Cream separators.
329 Cotton gins.
339 All other.
Office machinery.
349 Tabulating and sorting ma
chines.
359 Other office machinery,

NONMECHANICAL CODE.
II.

V e h i c l e s (N o t In c lu d in g C o n s tr u c tio n O f).

Cars and engines.

Train wrecks.
112 Collisions.
212 Derailments.
312 Car striking object on track
without derailing.
412 All other.
Fallfe from or in.
512 In getting on or off, in motion.
612 In getting on or off, at rest.
712 While riding on, due to sud
den start or stop.
812 While riding on, due to slip
ping or losp of balance.
912 While riding on, contact with
overhead structure.
1012 While riding on, contact with
side structure.
1112 Falls, n. o. c.
Struck by or caught between.
1512 While coupling or uncou
pling.
1612 While switching.
1712 While repairing care or en
gines.
1812 While repairing track.
1912 While crossing track.
2012 While standing or walking on
track.
2112 While braking or spragging.
2212 Caught between and side
structure.
2312 N. o. c.
Other causes.
2512 Setting or releasing hand
brakes.
2612 Objects falling from (not in
loading or unloading).
2712 Objects shifting on load.
2812 All other.

Mine and quarry cars and motors.

Train wrecks.
122 Collisions.
222 Derailments.
322 Car striking object on track
without derailing.
Falls from or in.
522 In getting on or off, in motion.
622 In getting on or off, at rest.
722 While riding on, due to sud
den start or stop.
822 While riding on, due to slip
ping or loss of balance.
922 While riding on, contact with
overhead structure.
1022 While riding on, contact with
side structure.
1122 Falls, n. o. c.
Struck by or caught between.
1522 While coupling or uncou
pling.
1622 While switching.
1722 While repairing cars or en
gines.
1822 While repairing track.
1922 While crossing track.
2022 While standing or walking on
track.
2122 While braking or spragging.
2222 Caught between and side
structure.
2322 N. o. c.
Other causes.
2522 Setting or releasing hand
brakes.
2622 Objects falling from (not in
loading or unloading).
2722 Objects shifting on load.
2822 Caught by while dumping.
2922 All other (include here
animal-drawn mine
or
quarry cars).

CAUSE OF IN J
Plant trucks on tracks.

132 Collisions.
232 Derailments.
332 Falls from, due to sudden start
or stop.
432 Falls from, riding on tail chain.
532 Riding on, contact with roof.
632 Riding on, contact with rib or
side structure.
732 Caught between and overhead
obstruction.
832 Struck by or caught between
while coupling or switching.
932 Struck by, n. o. c.
1032 Braking.
1132 Spragging.
1232 Lifting or pushing car.
1332 Caught or struck by rope or
chain.
1432 Caught by car or load in dump
ing.
1532 Getting on or off car.
1632 Struck by or caught between,
n. o. c.
1732 Object falling from in transit.
Automobiles and other power vehicles.

142
242
342
442
542
642
742
842
942
1042
1142
1242
1342
1442
1542
1642
5042
5142
5242
III.

Collisions, skidding.
Collisions, breaking of parts.
Collisions, all other.
Overturning, skidding.
Overturning, breaking of parts.
Overturning, all other.
Struck by.
Collisions with cars or engines.
Cranking.
Engines, n. o. c.
Breaking of car or part not re
sulting in collision or over
turning.
Falls from.
Objects falling from.
Objects shifting on load.
Mechanical unloading.
All other.
Motor cycles.
Colliding with auto or cars.
Colliding with bicycles.

RY CODE, ETC.
Automobiles

and other power vehicles—

Concluded.
5342
Colliding with fixed objects.
5442
Falls from.
5542 All other.
8042 Aeroplanes.
Animal-drawn
quarry cars).

vehicles

{not

mine

152 Collisions with cars.
252 Collisions with other vehicles.
352 Collisions with stationary ob
jects.
452 Overturning.
552 Whiffletrees.
652 Falls from.
752 Struck by.
852 Objects falling from (not in
loading or unloading).
952 Objects shifting on load.
1052 Breaking of parts.
1152 Mechanical unloading.
1252 Animal-drawn implements (not
machinery).
1352 Logs, etc., being drawn by
animals (all vehicle accidents
due to runaways should be
charged to animals).
1452 All other.
Water craft.

162
262
362
462
562
662
762
862
962

Collisions with vessels.
Collisions with other objects.
Capsizing.
Hawsers and other ropes.
Falls from or jumping over
board.
Falls from rigging.
Falls into hatchway.
Blowing up of water craft.
All other.
(Accidents from machinery
on water craft should be
charged to the specific ma
chine.)

A ll other vehicles.

172 Bicycles.
372 Collisions, bicycles.
672 All other vehicles.

E x p l o s io n s , E l e c t r ic it y , F ir e s , ai > H o t S u b s t a n c e s ; P o is o n o u s a n d C o r r o s iv e
S u b s t a n c e s , a n d O c c u p a t io n a l D i s e a s e s .

Boilers and steam pressure apparatus.

113 Economizers and superheaters,
explosions of.
213 Economizers and superheaters,
all other causes.
313 Escaping steam and hot water.
413 Steam boilers, explosions of.
513 Steam boilers, all other causes.
613 Steam pipes, explosions of tubes
and flues.
713 Steam pipes, all other causes.
813 Steam and hot water gauges,
explosions of.
913 Steam and hot water gauges, all
other causes.
1013 Other steam pressure apparatus,
explosions of.

Boilers and steam pressure apparatus—

Concluded.
1113 Other steam pressure apparatus,
all other causes.
Explosions of explosive substances.

123 Explosives, manufacturing and
storing.
223 Explosives, transportation and
handling.
323 Charging shells, etc.
Explosives, blasting.
423 Premature shot.
523 Misfires or delayed shot.
623 Windy shot.
723 Tamping.
823 All other.

APPENDIX II.

Other explosions.

Dust:
233
From other electric lights.
333
From spontaneous combus
tion.
Gas.
1133
From open lights or fire.
1233 From electricity.
1333 From explosives.
2033 Gasoline and other petroleum
products.
3033 All other gas explosions.
4033 Ammonia apparatus.
5033 Acetylene.
6033 Other high pressure apparatus.
7033 All other explosive substances.
(Include accidents due to bursting
under pressure.)
Electricity.
243 From trolley wire.
343 From third rail.
443 From transmission wire.
543 From switchboard apparatus.
643 From switches and controllers
(not switchboard).
743 From motors and generators.
843 From transformers.
943 All other.
Conflagrations and flames.

(Give description of individual con
flagration or catastrophe.)
Conflagrations.
253 Mine fires, asphyxiation due
to.
353 Mine fires, explosions from.

Conflagrations and flames—Concluded.

Conflagrations—Concluded.
453 Burning building (including
panic due to).
553 Other conflagrations.
653 Spontaneous combustion.
753 Mixture of acids or com
pounds.
853 Alcoholic solutions.
953 Gasoline.
1053 Oxacetylene welding and cut
ting.
1153 Oxacetylene gas and electric
flash.
1253 Flames, clothing.
1353 Flames, n. o. c.
1453. All other.
Hot substances.

Hot liquids.
163 Hot water.
263 Asphalt, pitch, and tar.
363 Other hot liquids.
Molten metal.
463 Explosion of.
563 At furnace or cupola.
663 Pouring.
763 Transportation or carrying.
863 All other.
Hot metal (not molten).
1263 Radiant heat from.
1363 Handling of.
1463 Contact with (not handling).
1563 All other.
2063 All other hot objects.

POISONOUS AN D CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES AND OCCUPATIONAL D ISEASES.

Poisonous substances.

10000 From handling or contact with.
20000 From inhaling fumes.
30000 From swallowing.
Corrosive substances.

40000 From handling or contact with.
50000 From inhaling fumes.
60000 From swallowing.
Alphabetical list of poisouous and corro
sive substances.
0173 Alcohol.
0273 Alcohol, wood.
0373 Ammonia.
0473 Aniline.
0573 Arsenic.
0673 Barium hydroxide.
0773 Benzine.
0873 Benzol.
0973 Brass and copper poisoning.
1073 Calcium.
1173 Carbolic acid (phenol).
1273 Carbolineum.
1373 Carbon monoxide.
1473 Carbon tetrachloride.
1573 Cement (Portland type).
1673 Chlorine.
1773 Chloropicrin.
1873 Coal oil (kerosene).
1973 Coal tar products, n. o. c.
2073 Creosote.-

Alphabetical list of poisonous and corro
sive substances—Continued.
2173 Cresole (including lysol).
2273 Cyanides (including HCN).
2373 Ether (sulphuric).
2473 Gasoline.
2573 Hydrochloric acid.
2673 Iodine.
2773 Ivy, oak, etc.
2873 Lead.
2973 L y e (potash and soda).
3073 M
’etol.
3173 Mercury.
3273 Mustard oil.
3373 Naphthol.
3473 Nitric acid.
3573 Nitrohydrochloric acid (muri
atic and nitric).
3673 Oxyacetylene.
3773 Phosgene.
3873 Phosphoric acid.
3973 Phosphorous, white.
4073 Phosphorous, red.
4173 Potash.
4273 Potassium bichromate.
4373 Selenium.
4473 Soda (sal soda and caustic).
4573 Sulpho naphthol.
4673 Sulphuric acid.

CA1'*E OF INJURY CODE, ETC.
Alphabetical list of poisonous and corro
sive substances— Concluded.
4773 Toluol.
4873 T. N . T. (trinitrotoluol).
4973 Turpentine.
5073 Zinc.
Occupational diseases.

Noninfectious.
0183 Caisson.
0283 Neuritis.
0383 Pneumoconiosis.
IY.

Occupational diseases— Concluded.

Noninfectious— Concluded.
0483 All other, n. o. c.
Infectious.
3083 Anthrax.
3183 Foot and mouth.
3283 Glanders.
3383 Malaria.
3483 Pneumonia.
3583 All other, n. o. c.

F a lls o f P erso n s.

From elevations— Concluded.

From elevations.

114 Benches, boxes, chairs, and
tables.
214 Bridges, dams, and docks (not
in construction or demoli
tion) .
314 Cranes, derricks, elevators, and
hoists in erecting and rigging.
414 Elevated bins, pockets, and
tanks (include here falls
from, but not into).
514 Boilers, engines, and machines
(include platforms or walk
ways on, but not stairways
leading thereto).
614 Piles.
714 Poles and trees, and piling.
814 Runways, balconies, and plat
forms (not loading platforms).
914 Loading platforms.
1014 Gangplanks.
1114 Tramways and trestles.
Buildings.
2014 Buildings, in construction or
demolition, n. o. c.
2114 Floors, temporary.
2214 Roofs.
2314 Stairs and steps.
2414 Windows and wall openings.
2514 All other.
Ladders.
3014 Breaking of ladder or parts.
3114 Slipping, twisting, or fall of.
3214 Knocked off ladder.
3314 All other.
V . S t e p p in g

Scaffolds and staging.
3414 Breaking, slipping, or collaps
ing.
3514 Breaking of tackle or support.
3614 Tilting of scaffold.
3714 Tilting or falling of loose plank
and scaffold.
3814 All other.
9914 All other elevations.
Into excavations, pits, and shafts.

124 Bins and vats containing hot or
corrosive substances.
224 Bins and vats, all other.
324 Floor openings (not elevator
shafts).
424 Manholes.
524 Excavations, n. o. c.
On level.

134 Slipping.
234 Stumbling over fixed objects.
334 Stumbling over loose objects
(include here stepping on
rolling objects).
434 Stepping on or off elevations.
Other falls.
534 Slipping of objects handled.
634 Slipping of tool or instrument.
734 Other falls, n. o. c. (include
strains due to near falls from
slipping or stumbling in this
group).

S t r ik i n g A g a in s t O b je c t s

Stepping on objects.

Striking against objects— Continued.

115 Nails.
215
All other sharp objects (stepping
on rolling objects should be
charged to stumbling).
Striking against objects.

125 Nails, screws, etc.
V I . F a l l in g O b ject s— N o t

Collapse of.

116 Buildings and walls.
216 Piles (stacked, stored, or piledup material).
316 Scaffolds and staging.
416 Chutes, conveyors, and slides.
516 Derricks.
1016 All other.

b e in g

225
325
425
525
625
1025

Splinters or sharp projections.
Other fixed objects.
Fellow em ployee.
Struck by swinging object.
Struck by flying object.
All other objects.

handled

in j u r e d .

From elevations.

126 Buildings not in course of con
struction or demolition.
226 Buildings in course of construc
tion or demolition.
326 Bins and pockets.
426 Tramways and trestles.

APPENDIX II.

From elevations—Concluded.

526 Runways, balconies, and plat
forms.
626 Racks and shelves.
726 Floor openings (not elevator
shafts).
826 Chutes, conveyors, slides, and
screens.
926 Machines and work benches.
1026 Piles (stacked, stored, or piledup material).
1126 Dumps, at mines.
1226 Scaffolds and staging.
1326 Temporary, floors.
2026 Other elevations.
Trees.

136 Trees in felling, n. o. c. (includ
ing dead limbs and tops).
236 Trees lodged in felling (includ
ing trees and limbs struck by
felled trees).
336 Trees, kickbacks of, in felling.
436 Spring poles, flybacks of.
536 Limbs, not in felling trees.
636 Trees, not in felling.
146 Objects tipping over (except vehicles and
objects which tip over while being handled).

Into excavations.
156 Ditches and trenches.
256 Other excavations (not tun
nels, mines, or quarries).
Cave-ins (not mines or quar
ries).
166 Ditches and trenches.
266 Tunnels..
366 Other.
VII.

In tunnels— objects falling into. In mines
and quarries, inside {including all acci
dents from fallinq objects in mines and
quarries).

176 Coal, rock, and ore at the working
face, not roof (including rolls of
coal or rock, but excluding ac
cidents in stopes and in pillar
robbing).
276 Coal, rock, and ore from pillars
or ribs not roof (including rolls
of coal or rock).
376 Coal, rock, and ore from or in
underground chutes, manways,
and batteries (including rushes
of coal, rock, or gob in same).
476. Roof in working places (not
576. Roof in entries.
676. Ore or rock in stopes (metal
mines).
776. Timbers, not in handling.
876. From surface into shaft or pit.
976. From cage into shaft.
1076 From or in underground bins.
1176 Cave-in of mine.
1276 All other.
Other falling or shifting objects.

186 Poles.
286 Miscellaneous shifting
(due to wind).
386 All other.

objects

H a n d l i n g o f O b je c t s .

Heavy objects.

Sharp or rough objects—Concluded.

117 Objects dropped (including tip
ping over of object handled).
217 Objects thrown.
317 Objects falling from load (while
loading or unloading).
417 Objects falling from pile (while
piling or unpiling).
517 Caught between object handled
and other objects.
617. Strain in handling (including
only strains, hernias, etc.,
caused by excessive weight of
object handled).
717 Handling, n. o. c.
817 Caught by roller.
917 Caught by dolly .
Sharp or rough objects (include only in
juries due to sharpness or roughness of
object handled).
127 Glass.
227 Protruding nails in objects han
dled.
327 Protruding wires.

427 Sheet metal and sheet-metal
objects.
527 Slivers, wood.
Metal:
627
Slivers.
727
Castings.
827
Pig iron.
927
Sheet-metal objects.
1027
All other metal.
1127 Bones.
1227 All other.
Hand trucks, carts, and wheelbarrows.
137 Struck by truck, handled by
injured person.
237 Struck by truck, handled by
coworker.
337. Caught between truck and other
object.
437 Object falling from (not loading
or unloading).
537 Overturning.
637 Running over hands or feet.
937 All other (including collisions).

CAUSE OF INJURY CODE, ETC.
V III.

H a n d T o o ls .

In hands o f fellow-worker—Concluded.

In hands of injured worker.

118 Glancing or slipping of tool in
use.
218 Breaking or coming apart of tool.
Flying objects set in motion by
tool:
318
Nails and spikes.
418 Metal chips.
518
Stone.
618
Other objects set in motion by.

328
428
528
628
728
928

Handling.

718 Bruise or aggravation from use of.
918 All other.
In hands of fellow-worker.
128 Glancing or slipping of tool.
228 Breaking or coming apart of tool.
IX.

Other animals, etc.

119 Kicks and stepped on.
219 Bites.
319 Runaways (including all vehicle
accidents due to runaways).
419 Fall from.
519 All other.
X.

(Specify any animal
which may be especially impor
tant.)
129 Dog*.
229 Insects.
329 Snakes.
429 Other animals.

M is c e lla n e o u s .

Elemen ts.

Heat prostration and sunstroke.
Cold, including frostbites.
Other exposure (weather, etc.).
lightning.
All other.

Violence.

120 Violence of coemployee.
220 Resulting from strikes or other
labor trouble.
320 In protecting property (watch
man, caretakers, etc.).
420 Maintaining order, etc.
520 All other violence.
130 Flying particles n. o. c. (relative
only to nonassigned flying par
ticles).
180864°—20— Bull. 276------ 7

Flying objects set in motion by
tool.
Nails and spikes.
Metal chips.
Stone.
All other objects set in motion
by.
Struck by.
All other (things in hands of
fellow worker).
(Causes given show manner of
occurrence.
Principal tools
found as causes of accidents
may be listed.)

A n i m a ls .

Draft animals.

110
210
310
410
510

Violence—Concluded.

230 Doors, windows, covers, and
gates, exclusive of elevators.
330 Drenching (not drowning).
430 Falling in tne water.
530 Wrestling, sparring, and horse
play (includes all accidents
directly attributable to horse
play, giving description of
horse-play accidents).
630 Compressed" air (not explosions).
730 Discharge of weapons.
140 Strains due to position assumed.
240 Swallowing objects (pins, tacks,
nails, etc.).
990 All other.

APPENDIX in .— COMPENSATION FOR OCCUPATIONAL
DISEASES.
The committee has not yet taken up the question of the classification of occupational
diseases, due principally to the lack of adequate information on this subject. Of
the 46 workmen’s compensation jurisdictions in the United States only 7 (California,
Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and the Federal
Government) make provision for the compensation of occupational diseases and the
problem is therefore not an immediate one in most of the States. In Massachusetts,
North Dakota, and the United States this inclusion has been effected through
the commissions and courts, whereas in the other States it has been brought about
by statutory enactment. In all the other States, as already noted, occupational
diseases are excluded, in theory at least, from the operation of the compensation
acts. This exclusion has been brought about (1) by limiting the scope of the law
to injuries by ‘‘ accident,” (2) by adverse rulings of the courts and commissions,
and (3) by express provisions in the compensation acts themselves. Compensation
acts of the Canadian Provinces, with the exception of Quebec and Yukon, make pro
vision for compensation for occupational diseases, as does the workmen’s compensation
act of Great Britain.
The various classes of occupational diseases for which compensation is awarded by
the British Workmen’s Compensation Act of 1906, as amended up to 1918, are shown
in the following schedules:
COMPENSABLE

OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES U N D ER W O R K M E N ’ S COM PENSATION
ACT OF G R EAT B R IT AIN .

Original act of 1906.
Description of disease.

Description of process.

Handling of wool, hair, bristles, hides, and skins.
Any process involving the use of lead or its prepara
tions or compounds.
Mercury poisoning or its sequelae.............................. Any process involving the use of mercury or its
preparations or compounds.
Phosphorus poisoning or its sequelae....................... Any process involving the use of phosphorus or its
preparations or compounds.
Arsenic poison or its sequelae................................... Any process involving the use of arsenic or its
preparations or compounds.
Ankylostomiasis........................................................... Mining.

1. Anthrax..........................................................................
2. Lead poisoning or its sequelae...................................
3.
4.
5.
6.

Subsequent additions, in effect as of Feb. 28,1918, by order of Secretary of State.
1. Arsenic poisoning or its sequelae...............................
2. Lead poisoning or its sequela?...................................
3. (a) Poisoning by benzine and its homologues, or
the sequels.
(6) Poisoning by nitro and amido derivatives of
benzine and its homologues (trinitro
toluene, anilin, and others), or the sequelae.
4. Poisoning by dinitrophenol or its sequelae............

Handling of arsenic or its preparations or com
pounds.
Handling of lead or its preparations or compounds.
Handling benzine or any of its homologues, or any
process in the manufacture or involving the use
thereof.
Handling any nitro or amido derivative of benzine
or any of its homologues, or any process in the
manufacture or involving the use thereof.
Handling dinitrophenol, or any process in the
manufacture or involving the use thereof.
Any process in which nitrous fumes are evolved.
Any process in the manufacture of aircraft.

5. Poisoning by nitrous fumes or its sequelae.............
6. Dope poisoning; that is, poisoning by any sub
stance used as, or in conjunction with, a solvent
for acetate of cellulose, or its sequelae.
7. Poisoning by tetrachlorethane or its sequelae........ Any process in the manufacture or involving the use
of tetrachlorethane.
Any process involving the use of carbon bisulphide
8. Poisoning by carbon bisulphide or its sequela^—
or its preparations or compounds.
9. Poisoning by nickel carbonyl or its sequelae......... Any processin which nickel carbonyl gas is evolved.
10. Poisoning by African boxwood ( G o n io m a K a - Any process in the manufacture of articles from
African boxwood ( G o n io m a K a m a s s i ) .
m a s s i ) or its sequelae.

COMPENSATION FOR OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES.
COM PENSABLE

OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES U N D E R W O R K M E N 'S COMPENSATION
ACT OF G R EAT B R IT A IN —Concluded.

Subsequent additions, in effect as of Feb. 28, 1918, by order of Secretary of State—Concluded.
Description of disease.

Description of process.

11. (cQ Dermatitis produced by dust or liquids..........
(6; Ulceration of the skin produced by dust or
liquids.
(c) Ulceration of the mucous membrane of the
nose or mouth produced by dust.
12. (a) Epitheliomatous cancer or ulceration of the
skin due to tar, pitch, bitumen, mineral oil,
or paraffin, or any compound, product, or
residue of any of these substances.
(&) Ulceration of the corneal surface of the eye,
due to tar, pitch, bitumen, mineral oil, or
paraffin, or any compound, product, or
residue of these substances.
13. Chrome ulceration or its sequelae.............................

Handling or use of tar, pitch, bitumen, mineral oil,
or paraffin, or any compound, product, or residue
of any of these substances.

14.
15.
16.
17.

18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24

Do.

Any process involving the use of chromic acid or
bichromate of ammonium, potassium, or sodium,
or their preparations.
Scrotal epithelioma (chimney sweep’s cancer)___ Chimney sweeping.
Compressed-air illness or its sequelae....................... Any process carried on in compressed air.
Cataract in glassworkers.............................................. Processes in the manufacture of glass involving
exposure to the glare of molten glass.
The disease known as miner’s nystagmus, Mining.
whether occurring in miners or others, and
whether the symptom of oscillation of the eye
balls be present or not.
Subcutaneous cellulitis of the hand (beat hand)..
Do.
Subcutaneous cellulitis over the patella (miner’s
Do.
beat knee).
Acute bursitis over the elbow (miner’s beat
Do.
elbow).
Inflammation of the synovial lining of the wrist
Do.
joint and tendon sheaths.
Glanders......................................................................... Care of any equine animal suffering from glanders;
handling the carcass of such animal.
Telegraphist’s cramp................................................... Use of telegraphic instruments.
Writer’s cramp..............................................................

In their treatment of occupational diseases the Candian Provinces have followed
in the footsteps of Great Britain. Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and British Columbia
adopted verbatim the occupational disease schedule in the British act of 1906. Ontario
and Alberta copied the British law, but did not adopt the schedule. Instead, the
New Brunswick act confers discretionary power upon the workmen’s compensation
board to declare what occupational diseases and processes shall be covered b y the
compensation law. Quebec and Saskatchewan are the only Provinces of the Dominion
which have thus far failed to provide compensation for industrial diseases.1
1 For information concerning compensation for occupational diseases in other foreign countries see
Monthly Labor Review of the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April, 1919, p. 209.

APPENDIX IV.— OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE CODE.1
Poisonous substances.
Code
No.
01

02
03

04
05
06
07
08

09
10
11
12

14
15

16
17
18

19
20
21

Remarks.

Poison or disease.

A highly irritant and penetrating gas. Poisoning by inhalation.
Industries: Gasand chemical works, manufacture of sal ammoniac,
refrigerating plants, varnish and dye works, calico printing, bleach
ing, tanning.
Amyl alcohol........................... A colorless, oily fluid used in preparation of fruit essences, aniline
dves, and in rectification of spirits. Poisoning by inhalation of
\ apor.
Aniline...................................... A colorless oil. Poisoning by absorption through skin by direct con
tact or saturation of clothing, and by inhalation as vapor and dust.
Industries: Manufacturing of aniline and derivatives, also of ani
line dyes.
Aniline dyes............................ Dyestuffs acting on the skin and respiratory organs in the form of
dust.
Antimonv (compuonds)....... Industries: Preparation of type and white metal, Britannia metal,
fireworks, paints, aniline dyes, etc. E nters the body in the form of
vapor or dust.
Arsenic..................................... Occurs in following industries: Mining, foundries, chemical works,
aniline and other dyes, wall paper, oilcloth, tanning, etc. Enters
the body as vapor or dust.
Arseniuretted hydrogen........ A gas developed in the production of hydrogen in the arts and in the
manufacture of hydrochloric and sulphuric acids. Enters the
body in the form of gas through the organs of respiration.
B.enzine..................................... A fluid. Enters the body in the form of vapor through organs of
respiration. Industries: Benzinedistillation,cleansingplants,lac
quer, varnish, and India rubber industries, manufacturing of wa
terproof material, etc.
Benzol...................................... Vapor of this fluid enters the body through organs of respiration.
Used in the industries which use benzine.
Brass (brass chills)................. Also called “ brass founders7ague.” An illness attended by shiver
ing. Caused by dust and fumes produced in tha casting, filing, cut
ting, and polishing of brass which is an alloy of zinc and copper.
Bronze....................................... Occurs in bronzing work wi th bronze powder or li quor.
Carbon dioxide (carbonic A colorless, odorless gas generated in mines, sewers, and wells, in
acid gas).
manufacture of carbonic acid, mineral waters, compressed yeast;
in breweries, etc. Large quantities occasion sudden death by suf
focation.
Carbon disulphide.................. In form of vapor it enters the body through respiratory organs; as a
fluid, through the skin. It causes heavy damage to red blood cor
puscles and to the central nervous system. Used in the extraction
and dissolving of fats and oils, in vulcanizing rubber, in imitation
silk factories, etc.
Carbon monoxide................... An odorless, tasteless gas evolved from blast furnaces, in manufac
ture of illumination gas, in explosions, in coal mines, in cement and
brick works, and in tunneling.
Chloride of lime...................... A white granular powder. Poisoning by inhalation as vapor or dust;
also acts directly on the skin. Used in bleaching establishments,
for disinfection, in manufacture of chloroform, oxygen, dyes, and
in calico printing.
Chlorine.................................... i A suffocating gas ol penetrating odor. Poisoning by inhalation and
occurs in bleachenes, paper mills, laundries, tinning works, etc.
Chromium (or its com Manufacture of chrome steel,hectographs, matches ;mineral tanning,
photography, etc. Enters the body in the form of dust or by
pounds).
absorption through the skin.
Ferrosilicon...................______ This substance, a mixture of iron and silica, when brought in con
tact with water, evolves phosphurated and arseniuretted gases,
both of which are powerful poisons. Wholesale poisoning is
liable to occur upon steamers carrying ferrosilicon in their holds.
Dock laborers employed in unloading ferrosilicon are also subject
to this danger.
Formaldehyde........................ A liquid used in coal-tar color industry and for disinfecting and
preserving. Inhalation in the form of vapor produces intense
irritation of the skin and mucous membranes.
Gassing (not otherwise spec Poisoning by carbon monoxide gas, illuminating gas, marsh gas,
ified).
etc.
Hydrochloric acid................... A colorless gas. Poisoning occurs in potteries, enameling works,
glass factories, in chemical, india rubber, and shoddy industry;
manufacture of fertilizer, cotton print works, etc.
Ammonia.................................

1 Formulated by the National Workmen's Compensation Service Bureau.

100

OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE CODE

101

Poisonous substances—Concluded.

:u
22

24
25

30
31

Poison or disease.

Hydrofluoric acid.

Remarks.

A colorless gas of pungent odor. In the form of gas enters the body
through respiratory organs. In fluid state acts on the skin ana
mucous membranes. Poisonings occur in practically the same
industries that are enumerated under hydrochloric acid.
Lead.
Known as plumbism,lead colic,painters’ and miners’ colic. Causes
paralysis (wrist drop), insanity, death, and disturbances in the
sexual sphere in women (abortion, premature birth, etc.). Occurs
in any process involving the use of lead or its preparations and
compounds. According to some authorities lead is used and
poisoning occurs in 150 trades.
Lead colic................................ See 23—Lead.
Manganese (manganese di Caused by inhalation of the dust. Symptoms: Paraesthesia, tre
mors, derangement of articulation, mental depression, paralysis.
oxide).
Known also as mercurial tremors. Absorbed in form of vapor or
Mercury (quicksilver).........
dust. Occurs in mercury and gold mining, smelting, gilding and
silvering, mirror making, photography, steel engraving, manu
facture of felt hats, etc.
See 25—Mercury.
Mercurialtremors.................
See 34—Wood alcohol.
Methyi alcohol......................
Miners’ colic........................... See 23—Lead.
Nitrobenzol (and its deriva A colorless fluid. Absorption takes place through the skin and
organs of respiration and digestion. Poisoning occurs in coal-tar
tives and compounds).
color industry, in explosive works, perfumery and soap factories,
pharmaceutical laboratories, etc.
Poisoning by inhalation in gaseous form occurs in chemical and
Nitrous gases..
celluloid works, in preparation of nitric, sulphuric, and picric
acids, aniline, nitroglycerin, etching of metals, hat making,
stamp mills, mints, etc.
An oily colorless fluid. Poisoning by inhalation of the vapor and by
Nitroglycerin.
absorption through the skin. Occurs in the manufacture of
explosives and in the use of dynamite.
See 23—Lead.
Painters’ colic
Poisoning by inhalation of its vapor occurs in production of the oil
Petroleum___
and in refining of the crude oil. Causes acute poisoning with a
condition of inebriation accompanied by shouting, reeling, and
prolonged sleep. Symptoms in general resemble those resulting
from benzine poisoning.
Also known as <rphossy jaw ” and‘ 1phosphorus necrosis. ” Poisoning
Phosphorus..........................
by inhalation of the vapor and by means of food contaminated by
dirty fingers.
A colorless gas of nauseating odor. Poisoning by inhalation in the
Phosphuretted hydrogen.
extraction of phosphorus; in the preparation of phosphorous com
pounds, in the reduction of iron silicate containing phosphorus; by
the action of moisture and in production of acetylene.
See 23—Lead.
Plumbism.........................
A colorless gas, having the fetid odor of rotten eggs. Poisoning by
Sulphuretted hydrogen.,
inhalation of the gas. Occurs in tanneries, sewers, illuminating
gas plants, blast furnaces; in the manufacture of matches and of
sulphur and phosphorous compounds; in Leblanc soda and chemi
cal factories, etc.
A colorless and odorless fluid. Poisoning by inhalation of the vapor.
Sulphuric acid.
Occurs in manufacture of sulphuric acid; in textile industry, hat
factories, petroleum distillation, and in manufacture of powdered
fertilizers.
Wood alcohol.
A colorless fluid of faint odor, produced by dry distillation of wood.
Used in preparation of varnish, lacquer polish, and perfumes, fo r
denaturing of spirits; also used, in combination with shellac, in cab
inet making and furniture polishing; as a solvent for aniline dyes;
for adulterating wlnsky and in hair tonics. Poisoning by inhala
tion of the vapor and by absorption through the skin and digestive
organs. The effect is persistent and very serious. Absorption of
a small quantity frequently causes blindness, deafness, delirium,
affection of respiratory organs, and even death by paralysis of the
heart.
Wood (African boxwood Workers in the following woods are subject to poisoning and other
and others.)
affections: African boxwood, California sequoia, Japanese *‘ tagayasa,” satinwood, teakwood, redwood, eokus wood, cocoa-b^la,
ebony, etc. This is due to alkaloids and other toxic substances
contained in these woods.

102

A P P E N D IX

IV .

Pulmonary diseases caused by dust and fibers.

Code
No.
51
52

53
54
55

Poison or disease.

Remarks.

Or coal miners’ phthisis. Due to inhalation of coal dust.
A lung disease caused by inhalation of cotton particles.See 56—Silicosis.
See 51—Anthracosis.
See 55—Siderosis.
Under this term are included all lung diseases caused by dust. Such
diseases are attended by an increase of the fibrous tissue of the
organs—harden ng or fibrosis of the lungs.
Potters’ rot or potters’ asth A form of lung disease common among workers engaged in manu
facture of pottery. Due to inhalation of clay dust.
ma.
Siderosis................................... Met with in persons who work in operations producing iron or steel
dust, such as cutlery grinders, tool sharpeners; workers in red o^ ide
of iron, such as looking-glass makers, gold beaters, glass polishers,
etc.
Silicosis..................................... A pulmonary dust disease caused by inhalation of stone or other nonmetallic mineral dust. The men who are liable to this disease are
grinders, brickmakers, etc.
Stone-cutter’s rot................... See 56—Silicosis.

Anthracosis..............................
Byssinosis................................
Chalicosis..................................
C^al miners’ phthisis............
Knife grinders’ phthisis........
Pneumokoniosis (not other
wise specified).

Diseases caused by parasites and microorganisms.
61

Ankylostomiasis....................

Anthrax...................................

Farcy........................................

Foot-and-mouth disease........

Glanders...................................

66
66

Lockjaw...................................
Tetanus.....................................

Tuberculosis............................

Pneumonia..............................

Sugar boils...............................

Also known as miners’ hookworm and miners’ anemia. Occurs in
mines, tunnels, among brick workers, etc. Caused by the intesti
nal parasite, ankylostoma duodenale. Spread by means of human
feces. Provision of portable sanitary appliances and disinfecting
stools with sulphuric acid will prevent contamination of mines by
this parasite.
An infectious disease transmitted by a microorganism, the baci’lus
anthracis. Acquired in the handling of wool, hair, bristles, hi es,
and skins. There are three forms of this disease—cutaneous, pul
monary, and intestinal. Also known as “ wool-sorters’ disease.”
An infectious disease transmitted by the same germ (bacillus mallei)
which causes glanders. It is termed "farcy” when the disease
affects only the skin.
This disease, which attacks cattle, pigs, and sheep, is occasionally
transmitted to man through infected meat, as well as by handling
cattle. Butchers, cowboys, drivers, stablemen, horse dealers, and
milkmen are liable to become infected.
An infectious disease acquired in the care of horses suffering from
glanders or in the handling of carcass of such animals. Caused by
the bacillus mallei.
See 66—Tetanus.
(Lockjaw.) Limited to infection by tetanus bacillus through mate
rial handled in occupation. Cases of tetanus resulting from in
fected wounds excluded, as these must be considered injuries aris
ing out of accidents.
Considered either as (1) directly attributable to the occupation, or
(2) as the terminal disease of various industrial affections. Cases
resulting from traumatism, e. g., contusions, bruises, fractures,
etc., to be excluded.
Limited to cases resulting from exposure. Traumatic pneumonia
excluded.
An affection confined to the sugar industry. Also known as
‘ 'lymphangitis of sugar makers.”

Due to fatigue , strains, excessive light and heat, friction, etc.
71
72

73
74
75
76

Temporary loss of vision. Occurs in tobacco workers, dye workers,
etc.
Asthenopia............................... An affection of the eyes (retinal fatigue) caused by constant contrac
tion of pupils in the effort to exclude light. C ccurs in trades such
as gilders, metal polishers, glassworkers, etc., compelling a close
attention to polished surfaces.
Electric ophthalmia............... An affection of the eyes due to intense light and heat evolved in elec
tric welding.
Glassworkers’ cataract.......... Glassworkers exposed to the intense glare of molten glass are subject
to this malady.
Miners’ nystagmus................. An affection of the eyes due to their peculiar way of looking at their
work. Causes oscillation and unsteadiness of the eyeballs. Oc
curs in mining and occasionally in other occupations.
Myopia...................................... Impairment of vision due to close attention to fine work, as in the
case of lithographers, engravers, etc.
Amblyopia...............................

O C C U P A T IO N A L

D IS E A S E

C O D E .

103

Cramps and other nerve affections.

Code
No.
81

82
83
87

Remarks.

Poison or disease.

Under this general term are included diseases arising from fatigue,
physical strain, high nerve tension, and sustained volitionary mus
cular movements. It affects cigar makers, seamstresses, type
setters, writers, typists, telegraphers, pneumatic-tool users (from
vibration), etc. The nerves and muscles of the hand and arm are
involved in 90 per cent of the cases of neurosis.
Telegraphers’ cramp.............. Or telegraphists’ spasm.
Writers’ cramp........................ Also writers’ palsy and scriveners’ spasm.
Boiler makers’ deafness........ Due to excessive vibration of the tympanic membrane and bones and
fluid in the ear.

Occupation neurosis (not
otherwise specified).

Inflammation of joints and tendons.
88
89
90
91
92

Bursitis.....................................

Known in England as ‘ 1beat elbow.” A chronic inflammation of the
bursa (a sack containing the lubricating fluid of the joint) over the
elbow, due to prolonged pressure.
Cellulitis of the hand............. Known in England as “ beat hand.” Subcutaneous inflammation,
due to friction, usually on the palmar surface.
Bursitis over patella.............. Known in England as “ beat knee.”
Synovitis.................................. Inflammation of the synovial lining of the wrist joint and tendon
sheaths.
Dupuytren’s contraction----- Contraction of the palmar tendon sheaths due to prolonged pressure
on tools and other hard objects.

Dae to compressed air.
97

Compressed-air disease.......... Also called “ caisson disease” and the “ bends.” Occurs after too
hasty emergence from air pressure. Under high pressure the at
mospheric air is dissolved in the blood and tissues; during decom
pression there is a rapid disengagement of the gas in the form of
bubbles, which block the blood vessels and tear the tissues.
Divers’ paralysis..................... Due to too rapid ascent after diving. Cause and symptoms practi'
cally the same as in caisson disease.

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Full text of Standardization of Industrial Accident Statistics: Reports of the Committee on Statistics and Compensation Insurance Cost of the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commission, 1915-1919 : Bulletin of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, No. 276

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