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Work-related upper limb amputations in Taiwan, 1999-2001
Huey-Wen Liang1, Ssu-Yuan Chen, Jin-Huei Hsu
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|November 20, 2004
Summary
Young male manufacturing workers face a high risk of occupational upper limb amputations in Taiwan. This study highlights the need for targeted prevention strategies to reduce these injuries.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Injury Prevention
Background:
- Work-related upper limb amputations represent a substantial portion of occupational injuries.
- This research investigates the national incidence of such amputations in Taiwan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the nationwide incidence of work-related upper limb amputations in Taiwan.
- To identify high-risk groups and contributing factors for developing prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 2,950 cases from Taiwan's workers' compensation disability claims database (1999-2001).
- Utilized Poisson regression analysis to determine risk ratios.
Main Results:
- The average annual incidence was 12.5 per 100,000 workers.
- Finger amputations (96%) were most common, often linked to powered machinery (85%).
- Young male manufacturing workers showed the highest risk, with male to female risk ratios varying by industry.
Conclusions:
- Young male manufacturing workers are identified as a high-risk demographic for occupational upper extremity amputations in Taiwan.
- Findings provide an epidemiological foundation for implementing targeted prevention measures.