LAUSR

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 U.S. Air Force (USAF) personnel to those in the U.S. workforce. METHODS All work-related, non-combat FHW injuries (>1 lost workday) and demographics among USAF personnel and U.S. workforce (2008-2018) were included. USAF FHW injury rates were age-adjusted to the U.S. employment and compared by gender, source, event, and nature of the injuries. RESULTS FHW 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.