Work-related Road Traffic Injuries in the Philippines: Trends and Determinants from 2010 to 2020

Background. Work-related transport and vehicular crashes (TVCs) contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality among the working population and negatively affect economic productivity. Despite the growing burden of road traffic injuries globally, limited data exist on work-related road crashes in the Philippines.

Objective. The study aimed to describe trends in work-related TVCs in the Philippines from 2010 to 2020 and identify risk factors associated with adverse patient outcomes.

Methods. Data were obtained from the Department of Health’s Online National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (ONEISS) from 2010 to 2020. Cases categorized as work-related under the activity variable were included. Variables analyzed included demographic characteristics, vehicle type, risky road user behaviors, use of safety equipment, and injury type. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize trends. Logistic regression analysis examined factors associated with mortality, while chi-square tests assessed associations between injury patterns and crash-related factors.

Results. A total of 15,451 work-related TVC cases were recorded from 2010 to 2020. Reported cases increased from 910 in 2010 to 2,180 in 2019, with a corresponding rise in deaths during the same period. Both cases and deaths declined in 2020, likely due to reduced mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two- and threewheeled vehicles were the most frequently involved, with motorcycles and tricycles predominating. Alcohol use and sleep-related factors were the most commonly reported risky behaviors. A majority of victims (70.90%) did not practice safe driving behaviors. Significant risk factors for mortality included vehicle type and age, while alcohol use was associated with multiple injuries.

Conclusion. Work-related TVCs remain an increasing occupational and public health concern in the Philippines. Strengthening road safety requires coordinated, multi-sectoral action involving government agencies, employers, and workers, with emphasis on road safety education, enforcement of safety measures, and targeted prevention strategies.