Five thousand twenty seven occupational hand injuries treated at a hand and microsurgery hospital between 1992 and 2005 were included in the study reported in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine.
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.
Hand therapy is a type of rehabilitation performed by an occupational or physical therapist with patients who suffer from conditions affecting the hands and upper extremities. Therapy enables patients to hasten their return to a productive lifestyle.
When a person experiences a tendon injury in the hand that affects the ability to flex or extend the hand properly and in a safe way, he or she likely will have a difficult time completing everyday tasks, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, using the bathroom, and attending to chores at home and at work.
In less than 60 days, three employee injuries - including one worker who suffered the amputation of three fingers - brought federal inspectors to West Virginia poultry processing facilities operated by Pilgrim's Pride Corp., one of the world's largest chicken producers.
Preliminary results from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries released this week show the rate of fatal work injuries in 2014 was 3.3 per 100,000 full-time workers, the same as the final rate for 2013.
The company that produces cookies and crackers for brands such as Kellogg, General Mills and Nabisco has been cited for safety violations by OSHA, after one of its workers lost part of a finger in a machine.
OSHA proposes more than $188K in fines for supermarket chain
September 18, 2015
Wegmans Food Markets Inc. bills itself as an industry leader and innovator. However, recurring hazards at its 1500 Brooks Ave. bakery in Rochester — and injuries to two workers — suggest a need for the supermarket chain to address workplace safety for its employees.
Company failed to follow machine safety procedures
September 17, 2015
A 45-year-old worker lost part of three fingers when his left hand caught in a table saw at a Cordova company that fabricates reusable shipping containers. Doctors reattached the fingers, but had to amputate the tip of his left middle finger. The employee has been unable to return to work.
Company shut down production line, turned the lights off
September 11, 2015
A Norfolk, Nebraska flooring materials company tried to hide hazardous machines from federal inspectors, according to OSHA. The agency said MP Global Products LLC also threatened to fire employees who complained about unsafe working conditions during an investigation into why a 65-year-old temporary worker suffered the amputation of one finger and severe damage to another when his left hand was caught as he operated a machine.