Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicate that about 20,000 amputations occur each year. Between 1,600 and 2,000 (10%) of these amputations have occurred among mechanical power press operators.
Recent statistics compiled by OSHA indicate that approximately 49% of the injuries on mechanical power presses result in an amputation. NIOSH research (based on injury frequency and severity data, operator hand speeds, compensation paid, and extent of worker exposure) indicate that young male operators appear to be at greater risk than other operators and mechanical power presses are the metalworking machines most in need of research to improve safety.