[Occupational and non-occupational risk factors in occupational hand injuries]

ABSTRACT

Hand injuries are the most common bodily traumas sustained at work and are always preventable. Different occupational and non-occupational risk factors may predispose to these grave events; identification and modifying them has a critical role in prevention of the accidents. This study was carried out to evaluate the association between these factors and hand injuries. In this case control study 82 industrial workers with occupational hand injuries from Tehran nearby factories were compared with eighty-three controls. Working circumstances were assessed using a detailed occupational and non-occupational [individual and socio-psychological factors] questionnaire. Data were analyzed with chisquare and t-test. Rotational shift work [P=0.027], lack of a close relationship between the workers, lack of training, availability and using safety equipments are statistically significant risk factors related to hand injuries [P=0.006]. There is no significant relationship between individual and familial factors and hand injuries. Availability of safety equipments and their proper use are the most important preventive factors for hand injury. Lack of close relationship between workers can also be regarded as a significant risk factor