Hand Injuries
Workplace injuries are expensive for employers. According to the American Society of Safety Engineers, each year employers pay more than $40 billion in worker's compensation benefits. In addition, employers are also burdened with medical expenses, legal fees, and a variety of indirect costs such as training for replacement employees, accident investigation, and repairs of damaged equipment and property.
Prevalence
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimates the rate of incidence of hand injury in the workplace to be 0.25. In other words, 25 hand injuries occur on average per year for every 10,000 full-time equivalent workers.
Hand injuries can come in many forms. Sprains, strains, dislocations, and fractures are the most common followed by avulsions, abrasions, contusions, lacerations, and punctures. Burning, skin diseases, and electric shock also pose considerable threats.
Prevention
Employers should take every precaution to reduce or eliminate workplace hazards. Once these safety precautions are in place, equipping employees with proper hand protection can help prevent injuries.