Hand injuries associated with reaching into a snow blower to clear clogged snow

Hand injuries represent the most common and potentially serious injuries associated with the use of snow blowers. Little research has been conducted on a national scale to examine these types of injuries. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to examine hand injuries among patients treated in an emergency department (ED) related to attempting to clear snow out of a clogged snow blower.

Data were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System for the years 2009-2017. National estimates of ED visits for hand injuries associated with the use of a snow blower were analyzed by nature of injury, age, and disposition. Trends in age adjusted rates were also obtained.

During the 10 year period, there were 27,826 hand injuries treated in emergency departments associated with the use of snow blowers. The majority of the injuries were fractures and lacerations, with an additional 22% being amputations. The majority (95%) were among males and most occurred among middle aged adults. Overall, hand injuries associated with the use of snow blowers declined during the study period.

Hand injuries remain the main threat of injury among snow blower operators. While trends are declining, given the seriousness of the injuries involved, further public health education campaigns and design modifications are warranted.