A study of French railroad workers was cited at a session Monday of the American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Expo in Salt Lake City, a session looking to increase EHS professionals’ understanding of occupational medicine issues.

The study is one of the few to identify non-workplace related factors behind employees who suffer more than the average number of injuries. The top four reasons beyond the workplace: sleep disorders, being on the present job less than five years, smoking, and physical activity. Sleep deprivation and smoking both affect brain functioning – oxygenation – that can reduce awareness and decision-making abilities.