The Most Common Types of Industrial Hand Injury
In industrial occupations, especially those involving machinery, the risk of hand injuries is a very common concern.
In fact, hand injuries are the most common type of preventable workplace injury, accounting for a significant portion of lost workdays and medical costs. Machines and equipment are major culprits, but other factors like slips, trips, and falls also contribute to hand injuries in industrial settings.
While comprehensive data specifically on industrial/machinery hand injuries is limited, available sources paint a concerning picture. Hand injuries can have devastating consequences, impacting workers’ lives and livelihoods.
In this article to Detroit area hand surgeon Dr. Uzma Rehman, sheds light on some of the most common hand injuries resulting from industrial machinery incidents, offering insights into diagnostic methods, treatments, and prognoses.
Prevalence of Industrial & Machinery Hand Injury
OSHA reports show that hand and finger injuries are among the most common workplace injuries, with a notable percentage attributed to machinery accidents.
According to the 2022 Bureau of Labor Statistics Employer-Reported Workplace Injury Report, an estimated 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses occurred in private industry in 2022. And 23% of all of these work-related injuries involved hands and fingers, making them the “most frequent preventable injuries.”
1.1 million of these cases involved days of job transfer or restriction (DJTR), often due to hand injuries, with a median of 15 days away from work. Machines and equipment were the leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in 2020, accounting for 39.2% of deaths. Transportation incidents, falls, and slips and trips were the next leading causes.
Most Common Types of Industrial Hand Injury
Industrial Hand Crush Injury
Industrial crush injuries of the hand occur when hands get caught between moving machine parts. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays and MRIs, helps the hand surgeon assess any bone and soft tissue damage. The long-term prognosis after an Industrial crush injury of the hand depends on the severity.
Early intervention by a skilled and experienced hand surgeon is crucial for optimal recovery and to preserve the function and mobility of the hands and fingers. After initial treatment and recovery period, physical therapy with our certified hand therapists can help ensure to regain use of your hands and fingers after a crush injury.
Industrial Hand Lacerations & Amputations
Sharp machinery can cause deep lacerations – even leading to partial or complete finger or hand amputations. Surgical evaluation and imaging by a board-certified hand surgeon will determine the extent of damage and the best course of treatment.
While prognosis will vary with the extent and location of the hand laceration, prompt medical attention by a hand specialist always improves outcomes. Rehabilitation with our certified hand therapists may also be necessary to ensure the best recovery possible.
Industrial Hand & Finger Fractures
High-impact machinery accidents also frequently result in hand and finger fractures. If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or bruising after an industrial accident do Not “wait and see” or try to “tough it out.”
X-rays are essential for identifying and classifying fractures – which may not be detectable by other methods. And failing to treat a fracture of the finger or hand can result in deformity of the bone that causes serious long-term problems – including loss of use of the finger(s) or hand.
Healing time varies depending on the extent and location of the hand or finger fracture, but proper immobilization and rehabilitation is essential for the most complete recovery possible.
Industrial Hand & Finger Degloving Injuries
Machinery with moving or rotating parts may cause skin and soft tissue to be forcibly peeled from the hand. This type of gruesome injury is medically known as “degloving.” Clinical examination by a hand specialist along with thorough imaging will assess the extent of tissue damage and determine the best course of treatment.
In most cases of industrial degloving injuries, surgical intervention is required. So, do not delay in seeing a top Detroit area hand surgeon like Dr. Uzma Rehman.
Top Industrial Injury Hand Surgeon | Detroit Area
As a top Detroit hand surgeon who has seen thousands of industrial hand injuries, Dr. Uzma Rehman emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, including proper workplace training, safety protocols, and the use of personal protective equipment. By more completely understanding the common hand injuries resulting from machinery accidents, workplaces and employees can implement strategies to mitigate risks and protect the well-being of employees.
If you or a loved one has suffered an industrial hand injury, swift medical intervention is essential. Whether the injury appears minor or severe, consulting with a top Detroit area hand surgeon like Dr. Rehman will ensure that every step is taken to preserve hand and finger function – and to avoid complications or loss of function or mobility in the future.
Additionally, if a workers’ compensation case may be brought due to your industrial hand injury, you will need documentation from a specialist like top hand surgeon like Dr. Rehman in order to collect workers’ comp benefits.
Dr. Rehman will create a specialized treatment plan designed to preserve or restore hand function, relieve pain, alleviate other symptoms, and avoid long term complications, and prevent deformity or loss of mobility.
