The local Medical Association in Fuchu City, Hiroshima Prefecture, supported by the Labor Standards Inspection Office, analyzed 196 upper extremity injuries sustained in the workplace by 162 individuals in this area.
The injuries included 57 fractures (28% of the total), 51 crush injuries (26%), 34 cut wounds (17%), 24 amputations (12%) and 10 bruise or sprain injuries (5%).
Fingers were involved in 151 of the injuries (77% of the total), forearms in 24 (12%), palms in 10 (5%), wrists in 8 (4%) and upper arms in 3 (2%). The high ratio of finger injuries was due to use of the right hand in the extended position and grasping or pinching movements of the left hand.
Announcements made in the workplace just after the start of the work period and a few hours before the end of it can be effective for prevention of labor-related injury. Further detailed research with the cooperation of local labor offices and hospitals, and the adoption of standardized nomenclature, are desirable.
