[Hand injuries and occupational accidents. Statistics and prevention]

Abstract

Hand injuries count for a 1/3 of all injuries at work, 1/3 of chronic injuries, 1/4 of lost working time, 1/5 of permanent disability. This varies from activity to activity and with the material element involved. An average of 22 working days are lost, but this varies according to lesion. The average permanent rate is 5.8% against 10% for accidents in generally. High rates are not very frequent (2% above 10%). The average cost is between 12,000 F and 15,000 F (at 1980 rates) of which more than 2/3 can be attributed to daily compensations. In 1980, the number of finger amputations can be estimated at 11,000 (3300 fo which were accidents at work) whose overall cost was 140,000,000 F, the daily compensations being 2/3 of this figure. The cost of insuring this risk is subscribed by employers, and the contributions are based on the nature of the risk. To prevent accidents and the after effects certain points must obviously be stressed. The return of patients into working life is vital, even before complete recovery from their injuries.