National Estimates of Work-Related Emergency Department-Treated Finger, Hand, and Wrist Injuries, U.S. 2015-2022

Work-related injuries often occur to fingers, hands, and wrists; however, research on risk factors is limited. The aim of this study was to analyze (in 2024) national estimates and trends of work-related fingers, hands, and wrists emergency department-treated traumatic injuries (2015-2022).

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-Occupational Supplement was used to analyze fingers, hands, and wrists injuries. Estimates and rates per 10,000 full-time equivalent workers were calculated using employment labor force estimates from the Current Population Survey. Patterns of injury severity and identification of at-risk populations were calculated, including adjusting for industry.

Nearly 5 million work-related emergency department-treated injuries were fingers, hands, and wrists, with 2% severe. Two thirds (67%) of these injuries were among males; however, females had higher odds of severe injuries than males when adjusting for industry. Rates of injury decreased with increasing age groups; however, adjusting for industry found a higher likelihood of injuries among older age groups. Healthcare and social assistance workers experienced the highest number of fingers, hands, and wrists injuries (814,100 injuries). However, accommodation/food service workers had the highest injury rates (81 per 10,000 full-time equivalents). Construction (24%) and manufacturing (23%) workers had the highest percentage of severe fingers, hands, and wrists injury rates. However, the highest rates for severe fingers, hands, and wrists injury rates were for agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting and construction workers (35.3 and 23.4 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers). Injury rates declined significantly from 2015 to 2021 and then increased in 2022.

These findings improve the understanding of work-related fingers, hands, and wrists injury risks. Industry-specific surveillance and targeted interventions for high-risk industries such as construction and manufacturing could assist in reducing fingers, hands, and wrists injuries.