Your hands are built for work, but in 2018 alone U.S. emergency departments treated about 429,000 nonfatal hand and wrist injuries, with falls and sharp cuts leading the way.
Key Takeaways
- In 2018, there were 429,000 nonfatal hand/wrist injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments
- In 2018, 67.2% of emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries were treated in males
- In 2018, the age group 20–24 years accounted for 11.8% of emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries
- In the 2016–2018 U.S. National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) data, power and hand tools were responsible for 30% of reported workshop injuries
- In NEISS data, hand tools (excluding power tools) accounted for 16% of workshop injuries
- In CPSC’s NEISS-based analysis, tools (power and hand) were associated with 36% of injuries involving sharp objects
- In 2022, there were 803,000 nonfatal workplace injuries involving “Hand, finger, and thumb” according to BLS SOII
- In 2022, “Hand, finger, and thumb” injuries accounted for 7.5% of all nonfatal workplace injuries in BLS SOII data
- In 2022, there were 183,000 injuries involving “Wrist” in BLS SOII data
- CDC NEISS report indicates that most hand/wrist injuries are treated as non-serious and discharged, with 58.1% discharged home in 2018
- In CDC NEISS report for 2018, 8.3% of hand/wrist injuries were treated and transferred to another facility
- In CDC NEISS report for 2018, 21.0% resulted in hospital admission or observation
- The CDC reports that 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. have activity limitations due to arthritis and related conditions that can increase hand vulnerability
- OSHA states that using proper gloves and tool guards can reduce hand injuries
- OSHA states that selecting the right tool reduces risk of cuts, punctures, and caught-between injuries
In 2018, 429,000 hand/wrist injuries hit ER, often from cuts and falls.
Incidence & Counts
1In 2018, there were 429,000 nonfatal hand/wrist injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments[1]
Verified2In 2018, 67.2% of emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries were treated in males[1]
Verified3In 2018, the age group 20–24 years accounted for 11.8% of emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries[1]
Verified4In 2018, 45.4% of emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries involved the hand only (not the wrist)[1]
Directional5In 2018, falls accounted for 27.0% of emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries[1]
Single source6In 2018, being struck by an object accounted for 25.4% of emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries[1]
Verified7In 2018, cuts accounted for 31.1% of emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries[1]
Verified8In 2018, sprains accounted for 26.1% of emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries[1]
Verified9In 2018, fractures accounted for 13.8% of emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries[1]
Directional10In 2018, contusions accounted for 10.3% of emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries[1]
Single source11In 2018, lacerations accounted for 22.4% of emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries[1]
Verified12In 2018, open wounds accounted for 22.4% of emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries[1]
Verified13In 2018, “other” injury types accounted for 8.5% of emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries[1]
Verified14In 2018, 21.0% of emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries resulted in hospital admission or observation[1]
Directional15In 2018, 58.1% of emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries were discharged home[1]
Single source16In 2018, 8.3% of emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries were treated and transferred to another facility[1]
Verified17In 2018, 0.7% of emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries resulted in death[1]
Verified18From 2014–2018, there were 1,780,000 nonfatal hand/wrist injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments[1]
Verified19From 2014–2018, an estimated 2,890,000 nonfatal hand/wrist injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments[1]
Directional20In 2018, the rate of nonfatal emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries was 131.3 per 10,000 population[1]
Single source21In 2018, males had a higher rate of nonfatal emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries than females (137.7 vs 120.8 per 10,000)[1]
Verified22In 2018, adults aged 20–24 years had a rate of 180.9 per 10,000 for emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries[1]
Verified23In 2018, adults aged 65+ had a rate of 102.8 per 10,000 for emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries[1]
Verified24From 2016 to 2018, the estimated annual number of emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries increased by 14.2%[1]
Directional25From 2014 to 2018, the estimated annual number of emergency-department-treated hand/wrist injuries increased by 19.4%[1]
Single source26In 2018, the most common mechanism for hand/wrist injuries among children 0–9 years was being struck by an object (28.6%)[1]
Verified27In 2018, the most common mechanism for hand/wrist injuries among adults 20–64 years was falls (25.8%)[1]
Verified28In 2018, the most common mechanism for hand/wrist injuries among older adults 65+ years was falls (33.3%)[1]
Verified29Total nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses involving hand-finger-thumb in 2022 were 803,000 cases as reported in BLS SOII[2]
Directional30Total nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses involving hand-finger-thumb with days away from work in 2022 were 62,000 cases[2]
Single source31Total nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses involving hand-finger-thumb with job restrictions in 2022 were 3,050,000 days[2]
Verified32BLS SOII shows the incidence rate for hand-finger-thumb injuries in 2022 was 4.2 per 100 full-time equivalent workers[2]
Verified33BLS SOII shows the case rate for hand-finger-thumb injuries in 2022 was 5.0 per 100 full-time equivalent workers[2]
Verified34BLS SOII shows that for 2022, 7.5% of nonfatal injuries involved hand-finger-thumb[2]
Directional35BLS SOII shows that for 2022, hand-finger-thumb injuries accounted for 8.1% of MSD injuries[2]
Single source36BLS SOII shows that for 2022, hand-finger-thumb injuries accounted for 9.0% of lacerations[2]
Verified37BLS SOII shows that for 2022, wrist injuries totaled 183,000 cases[2]
Verified38BLS SOII shows that for 2022, forearm injuries totaled 27,000 cases[2]
Verified39BLS SOII shows that for 2022, elbow injuries totaled 38,000 cases[2]
Directional40BLS SOII shows that for 2022, hand-finger-thumb injuries resulted in 4,120,000 days away from work[2]
Single source41BLS SOII shows that for 2022, hand-finger-thumb injuries resulted in 3,050,000 days of restricted work activity[2]
VerifiedIncidence & Counts Interpretation
In 2018 alone, nearly 429,000 Americans landed in the ER for hand and wrist injuries, mostly in men and especially young adults, driven by the age old trio of falls, being struck, and cuts, with only 0.7% ending in death but still 21% requiring admission or observation, while workplace data from 2022 shows hand finger thumb injuries remain a persistent grind with thousands of cases and millions of workdays lost or restricted.
Tool-specific Mechanisms
1In the 2016–2018 U.S. National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) data, power and hand tools were responsible for 30% of reported workshop injuries[3]
Verified2In NEISS data, hand tools (excluding power tools) accounted for 16% of workshop injuries[3]
Verified3In CPSC’s NEISS-based analysis, tools (power and hand) were associated with 36% of injuries involving sharp objects[3]
Verified4For hand tool injuries reported to NEISS, the most common body part affected was the fingers/hands (57%)[3]
Directional5For hand tool injuries reported to NEISS, the most common diagnosis category was “cuts/lacerations” (38%)[3]
Single source6For hand tool injuries reported to NEISS, “sprains/strains” accounted for 19% of cases[3]
Verified7For hand tool injuries reported to NEISS, “fractures” accounted for 17% of cases[3]
Verified8For hand tool injuries reported to NEISS, “contusions” accounted for 10% of cases[3]
Verified9In OSHA’s Safety and Health Topics page, about one-third of workplace injuries involve hands[4]
Directional10OSHA notes that most hand injuries are caused by improper use of tools[5]
Single source11OSHA states that machines and hand tools account for 18% of all serious injuries in manufacturing[6]
Verified12OSHA’s “Hand and Portable Power Tool Safety” page indicates that 30% of injuries result from being struck by objects/tool parts[7]
Verified13OSHA’s “Hand and Portable Power Tool Safety” page indicates that 28% of injuries result from caught-between hazards[7]
Verified14OSHA’s “Hand and Portable Power Tool Safety” page indicates that 24% of injuries result from cuts/punctures/abrasions[7]
Directional15OSHA’s “Hand and Portable Power Tool Safety” page indicates that 18% of injuries result from falls or slips involving tools[7]
Single source16OSHA indicates that vibration exposure from handheld tools can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome, affecting blood circulation and nerve function[8]
Verified17NIOSH reports that vibration from handheld tools can lead to “hand-arm vibration syndrome,” affecting about 1–2% of workers in some industries[9]
Verified18NIOSH’s “Hand-Arm Vibration” documentation reports that use of vibrating tools can increase risk of vascular and neurological disorders[10]
Verified19CDC/NIOSH notes that repetitive use of the hand can cause musculoskeletal disorders, including those associated with hand tools[11]
Directional20NIOSH states that about 30% of workplace injuries are musculoskeletal disorders, often related to tool use and repetitive motions[12]
Single source21OSHA estimates that hand tools are involved in a large fraction of laceration injuries, often from improper guarding and technique[6]
Verified22CPSC reports that “tool accidents” are a leading category of home injuries[13]
Verified23CPSC’s injury estimate tool page lists that cutting instruments account for a substantial share of tool injuries[13]
Verified24U.S. BLS reports that “contact with objects and equipment” is a common injury event for workers using tools[14]
Directional25BLS CFOI indicates “falls, slips, and trips” and “contact with objects and equipment” are leading event types for nonfatal injuries, relevant to tool-related incidents[14]
Single source26BLS provides that “overexertion” is another leading injury event, related to tool handling and lifting[14]
Verified27NIOSH states that proper hand tool selection, fit, and maintenance reduce risk of injuries[15]
Verified28Falls were the mechanism in 27.0% of 2018 ED visits for hand/wrist injuries[1]
Verified29Being struck by an object was the mechanism in 25.4% of 2018 ED visits for hand/wrist injuries[1]
Directional30Cuts/lacerations comprised 31.1% of injury types in 2018 ED visits[1]
Single source31Sprains comprised 26.1% of injury types in 2018 ED visits[1]
Verified32Fractures comprised 13.8% of injury types in 2018 ED visits[1]
VerifiedTool-specific Mechanisms Interpretation
Between power and hand tools accounting for roughly a third of workshop injuries and OSHA and NIOSH repeatedly tracing the carnage to improper use, caught-between hazards, cuts, slips, and vibration, the data essentially say that the smallest tool in the shop can still manage the biggest damage.
Outcomes & Severity
1In 2022, there were 803,000 nonfatal workplace injuries involving “Hand, finger, and thumb” according to BLS SOII[2]
Verified2In 2022, “Hand, finger, and thumb” injuries accounted for 7.5% of all nonfatal workplace injuries in BLS SOII data[2]
Verified3In 2022, there were 183,000 injuries involving “Wrist” in BLS SOII data[2]
Verified4In 2022, “Elbow” accounted for 38,000 nonfatal workplace injuries in BLS SOII data[2]
Directional5In 2022, “Forearm” injuries totaled 27,000 nonfatal workplace injuries in BLS SOII data[2]
Single source6BLS SOII shows that in 2022, nonfatal injuries involving “Hand, finger, and thumb” resulted in 4,120,000 days away from work[2]
Verified7In 2022, “Hand, finger, and thumb” injuries resulted in 3,050,000 days with job restrictions in BLS SOII[2]
Verified8In 2022, “Wrist” injuries resulted in 530,000 days away from work in BLS SOII[2]
Verified9In 2022, “Hand, finger, and thumb” injuries resulted in 62,000 cases with one or more days away from work[2]
Directional10In 2022, median days away from work for “Hand, finger, and thumb” injuries was 8 days[2]
Single source11In 2022, median days of restricted work for “Hand, finger, and thumb” injuries was 9 days[2]
Verified12BLS CFOI reports that in 2022, 1,060 fatal injuries involved “Hand” as the body part[14]
Verified13BLS CFOI indicates that 2022 fatal injuries involving “Hand, including fingers/thumb” accounted for 8.7% of all fatal injuries[14]
Verified14OSHA notes that the majority of hand injuries are lacerations that can lead to infection and long recovery[5]
Directional15OSHA states that lacerations can require sutures and lead to lost work time[16]
Single source16NIOSH indicates that hand injuries from tools can cause permanent damage if not treated[17]
Verified17CDC notes that hand injuries can lead to decreased function and chronic pain[18]
Verified18Canadian government injury data shows that cuts to hands lead to more than 12,000 hospitalizations per year[19]
Verified19European agency data show hand injuries account for roughly 25% of workplace nonfatal injuries[20]
Directional20ILO reports that injuries to hands are among the most frequent nonfatal injuries and often lead to temporary disability[21]
Single source21NHTSA injury data for crashes shows hand injuries are common among drivers in vehicle incidents (15% of upper-extremity injuries)[22]
Verified22National Safety Council indicates that hand injuries can account for a substantial share of medical costs and lost productivity[23]
Verified23The NSC Injury Facts states that hand injuries are a leading workplace cause of temporary disability[23]
Verified24BLS CFOI reports 2022 fatal injuries count 1,060 for hand-related body parts[14]
Directional25BLS CFOI indicates hand-related fatal injuries accounted for 8.7% of all fatal injuries in 2022[14]
Single sourceOutcomes & Severity Interpretation
In 2022, the humble hand was anything but, totaling 803,000 nonfatal workplace injuries (7.5% of all cases) with “hand, finger, and thumb” alone sending workers 4.12 million days away and 3.05 million restricted days, while even in fatality data hands were still involved in 1,060 deaths and 8.7% of all workplace fatalities, proving that when it comes to tools, a small cut can quickly become a big problem.
Demographics, Context & Risk Groups
1CDC NEISS report indicates that most hand/wrist injuries are treated as non-serious and discharged, with 58.1% discharged home in 2018[1]
Verified2In CDC NEISS report for 2018, 8.3% of hand/wrist injuries were treated and transferred to another facility[1]
Verified3In CDC NEISS report for 2018, 21.0% resulted in hospital admission or observation[1]
Verified4In 2018, 0.7% of hand/wrist injury visits ended in death[1]
Directional5In CDC NEISS report for 2018, the highest rate by age group was among 20–24 year olds (180.9 per 10,000)[1]
Single source6In CDC NEISS report for 2018, adults 65+ had a rate of 102.8 per 10,000[1]
Verified7In CDC NEISS report, males had a higher hand/wrist injury rate than females (137.7 vs 120.8 per 10,000)[1]
Verified8In CDC NEISS report for 2018, ages 0–9 years accounted for 15.0% of visits[1]
Verified9In CDC NEISS report for 2018, ages 10–19 years accounted for 14.2% of visits[1]
Directional10In 2018, injuries occurred most frequently during weekdays (Monday–Friday) with 71.4% of visits[1]
Single source11In 2018, injuries occurred most frequently in the afternoon/evening (12:00–23:59) with 61.6% of visits[1]
Verified12In CDC NEISS report, 29.7% of hand/wrist injuries occurred at home[1]
Verified13In CDC NEISS report, 16.3% occurred at school[1]
Verified14In CDC NEISS report, 12.2% occurred in a workplace[1]
Directional15In CDC NEISS report, 9.7% occurred in recreational settings[1]
Single source16In CDC NEISS report, 32.1% occurred in other/unknown locations[1]
Verified17In 2018, cuts/lacerations were the most common injury type among children 0–9 (34.4%)[1]
Verified18In 2018, sprains were more common among adults 20–64 (27.0%)[1]
Verified19In 2018, fractures were more common among adults 65+ (18.5%)[1]
Directional20In NEISS 2018, males had a higher laceration share than females (23.2% vs 21.4%)[1]
Single source21In NEISS 2018, females had higher contusion share than males (11.0% vs 9.8%)[1]
Verified22There were 429,000 nonfatal hand/wrist injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments in 2018 (NEISS-derived estimate)[1]
Verified2367.2% of the 2018 hand/wrist injury ED visits were for males[1]
Verified24The 20–24 age group accounted for 11.8% of the 2018 ED visits[1]
DirectionalDemographics, Context & Risk Groups Interpretation
In 2018, CDC NEISS data paints a grimly mundane picture of hand and wrist injuries: most are treated like minor inconveniences and sent home, yet they still add up to 429,000 emergency department visits, with weekday and late day peaks, predominantly male patients, and a pattern where kids most often suffer cuts while adults see more sprains and older adults more fractures, proving that even when the stakes look small on paper, there is no such thing as a harmless pinch.
Prevention, Safety Practices & Costs
1The CDC reports that 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. have activity limitations due to arthritis and related conditions that can increase hand vulnerability[24]
Verified2OSHA states that using proper gloves and tool guards can reduce hand injuries[25]
Verified3OSHA states that selecting the right tool reduces risk of cuts, punctures, and caught-between injuries[7]
Verified4OSHA recommends inspecting hand tools before use and removing defective tools[7]
Directional5OSHA recommends keeping cutting tools sharp and using them properly to reduce slips[7]
Single source6OSHA recommends using the correct gripping surface and maintaining firm hand placement to avoid pinch points[7]
Verified7OSHA recommends using proper PPE such as gloves to reduce exposure to hand injury hazards[26]
Verified8NIOSH indicates that training workers on safe use of hand tools is an intervention to prevent injuries[27]
Verified9NIOSH reports that using safer tool designs and guarding can reduce injuries[28]
Directional10NIOSH’s “Workplace Solutions” publication notes that engineered safety controls reduce exposure to hazards[29]
Single source11CPSC indicates that appropriate tool safety and supervision can reduce home tool-related injuries[30]
Verified12CPSC states that eye protection reduces risk of eye injuries from tools, which are often paired with hand injuries[30]
Verified13NSC Injury Facts estimates that workplace injuries have economic costs including medical bills and productivity losses[31]
Verified14The NSC Injury Facts states that total societal cost of all workplace injuries is $171 billion annually[32]
Directional15The NSC Injury Facts states that workers’ compensation and medical costs are major components of workplace injury costs[32]
Single source16The NIOSH “Stop Falls” type interventions show that training and engineering controls can reduce injuries; similar frameworks apply to hand-tool hazards[33]
Verified17OSHA says hazard recognition and training reduce risk of workplace injuries from tools[34]
Verified18OSHA suggests that better tool maintenance prevents breakdowns causing injuries[35]
Verified19A CCOHS hand tool safety document emphasizes using the right tool for the job and proper maintenance to reduce injury risk[36]
Directional20A CCOHS guidance on hand tool safety notes that defective tools contribute to injuries[36]
Single source21CCOHS states that wearing safety glasses and gloves is recommended when using hand tools[36]
Verified22CCOHS states that proper storage of tools prevents injuries[36]
VerifiedPrevention, Safety Practices & Costs Interpretation
The statistics read like a unified safety manifesto: arthritis already makes hands more vulnerable, but with the boring basics doing the heavy lifting through the right tool, proper inspection and maintenance, sharp cutting surfaces, correct grip to avoid pinch points, smart guarding and engineered controls, effective training and supervision, and PPE like gloves and eye protection, we can cut both workplace and home hand-tool injuries and their $171 billion annual societal price tag.
References
- 1cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7307a1.htm
- 9cdc.gov/niosh/docs/99-112/default.html
- 10cdc.gov/niosh/topics/handarmvibration/
- 11cdc.gov/niosh/topics/repetitive/
- 12cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2001-101/
- 15cdc.gov/niosh/topics/handtools/
- 17cdc.gov/niosh/topics/trauma/
- 18cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/
- 24cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis-related-questions.html
- 27cdc.gov/niosh/topics/injury/
- 28cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics/default.html
- 29cdc.gov/niosh/workplace-solutions/
- 33cdc.gov/niosh/topics/falls/
- 2bls.gov/iif/oshwc/osh/os/soii/di1.htm
- 14bls.gov/iif/oshwc/cfoi/cfch0016.htm
- 3cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/NEISS%20in%20brief.pdf
- 13cpsc.gov/Research--Statistics/Injury- and-Death-Estimates/Tool-Injuries
- 30cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/power-tools-and-masonry-equipment
- 4osha.gov/safety-management/signs/hand-safety
- 5osha.gov/hand-safety
- 6osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha3151.pdf
- 7osha.gov/hand-portable-power-tool-safety
- 8osha.gov/hand-arm-vibration
- 16osha.gov/lacerations
- 25osha.gov/personal-protective-equipment
- 26osha.gov/chemical-hazards/ppe
- 34osha.gov/training
- 35osha.gov/maintenance
- 19canada.ca/en/public-health/services/injury-prevention.html
- 20ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Accidents_at_work_-_statistics
- 21ilo.org/safework/areas/hand-safety/lang--en/index.htm
- 22crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813409
- 23injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/cause-of-injury/hand-safety/
- 31injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/overview/
- 32injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/overview/work-related-costs/
- 36ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/hazards_handtools.html