Mandated Rest Breaks and Occupational Injuries and Illnesses in Dallas County, Texas Construction Workers

Objective: We estimated associations of a rest break ordinance, implemented for construction workers in Dallas, Texas in 2016, with workplace injuries and illnesses. Methods: We used workers' compensation claims data to compare changes in rates of injuries and illnesses among Dallas County, Texas construction (ie, "treated") workers with changes in untreated workers, before (2013-2015) and after (2016-2018) a rest break ordinance was implemented. Results: Immediately after the ordinance was implemented, rates of injuries/illnesses among treated workers were modestly lower than in comparison workers (rate ratio comparing postmandate vs premandate rates, treated vs comparison workers: 0.89, 95% confidence interval: 0.72-1.11). Postordinance versus preordinance slope trends were similar in the treated versus the comparison group. Conclusions: Ten-minute rest breaks were associated with modestly lower rates of workplace injury/illnesses. More comprehensive standards may be needed for protection.