Comparison of Finger, Hand, and Wrist Injuries in the US Air Force to US Workers

Objective Fingers, hands, and wrists (FHW) are the most frequently injured body parts in work-related injuries. This study described and compared FHW injuries among enlisted, officer, and civilian US Air Force (USAF) personnel to those in the US workforce. Methods All work-related, noncombat FHW injuries (≥1 lost workday) and demographics among USAF personnel and US workforce (2008–2018) were included. The USAF FHW injury rates were age adjusted to the US employment and compared by sex, source, event, and nature of the injuries. Results Finger, hand, and wrist injuries were significantly lower among the USAF personnel and among females. In both populations, FHW injuries from falls were higher and increased with age group among females. Males had higher overall FHW injuries from contact with objects and equipment. Conclusions Prevention efforts should focus on understanding risk factors and sharing successful prevention activities.