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Analysis of Severity of Finger, Hand, and Wrist Injuries Among Department of Air Force Workers
Melody Kay Gwilliam1, Christina Maria Socias-Morales, Scott Allen Hendricks
1From the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Safety Research (M.K.G., C.M.S.-M., S.A.H., A.A.R.); West Virginia University School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (K.E.I., G.S.S.); and Department of Air Force, Air Force Safety Center (H.A.S., L.K.P., A.E.R.).
Objective:
This study examined US Department of the Air Force (DAF) work-related finger, hand, and/or wrist (FHW) injuries and focused on injury characteristics, severity, and outcomes.
Methods:
Characteristics, details, and severity of work-related, noncombat FHW injuries (2008-2018) were examined. Rates, patterns of severity, and identification of at-risk populations within DAF were calculated.
Results:
Nearly a quarter of DAF injuries were FHW-related and decreased from 2008 to 2018. The highest rates were among males, younger workers, and enlisted workers. Odds of severe injury increased with age group. After adjustment, sex was not significantly different. Aircraft maintenance had the most severe injuries, whereas metal workers had the highest rate.
Conclusions:
Surveillance and focused interventions of high-risk groups, standardized codes, and regular updating of training and procedures contribute to continued reduction of FHW injuries.
