A Case-crossover Study of Transient Risk Factors for Occupational Traumatic Hand Injuries in Incheon, Korea

Abstract

Objectives: A case-crossover study was conducted to identify transient risk factors for occupational acute hand injuries. Methods: In total, 98 subjects were recruited from a hospital specializing in occupational accidents and trauma. Patients who had injured fingers, hands or wrists during work were interviewed within 30 days after their accidents. Results: The relative risks for each factor were as follows: 22.9 for unusual or malfunctioning machines (95% confidence interval [CI] 14.4–36.4), 3.3 for wearing gloves (95% CI 1.9–5.7), 5.7 for unusual tasks (95% CI 3.8–8.8), 12.1 for altered work methods (95% CI 8.4–17.6), 4.1 for rushing (95% CI 2.6–6.3), 12.9 for being distracted (95% CI 7.9–20.9), 1.2 for feeling ill (95% CI 0.4–3.6) and 1.0 for working overtime (95% CI 0.6–1.6). Conclusion: The results suggest that some transient risk factors were associated with occupational acute hand injuries. These risk factors are probably preventable, and modifying unsafe or unusual conditions is important to reduce occupational traumatic hand injuries.