Workplace injury rates and firm-level turnover in Montana's oil and gas industry

Background Do workers follow their self-interest by minimizing injury risk in their employment decision? If so, employers could use injury reduction as a recruitment and retention strategy. This study explores whether injury incidence is associated with turnover in Montana's Oil and Gas industry. Methods A panel data set of Unemployment Insurance and Workers' Compensation administrative records from 2010 to 2015 was used to model the relationship between turnover and injury claim rates at the firm level. Results Total turnover and injury rates were found to be positively related while injury rates and separation rates had no such association. Quarters in which the employer experienced a severe injury had a 3.3 percentage point increase in separation rates. Discussion The findings suggest that injured workers contribute to increased turnover, but coworker turnover does not increase with increased injury rates in the firm. Secondary findings suggest a relationship between recent hires and increased injury rates, although further investigation is required.