Immigrant Susceptibility to Hand Injuries in Industrial Work Environments: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract Aims: The aim of this study was to elucidate the prevalence and demographic characteristics of patients admitted to Emergency Departments (EDs) with work-related hand injuries and to determine the factors that contribute to such injuries and have an impact on the severity of injuries. Methods:The study spanned from January 2021 to January 2022 and involved patients seeking medical attention for hand injuries at a Level-3 ED near an industrial area. Out of a total of 2,153 patients which had hand injuries,946 patients admitted due to work-related injuries were evaluated. Data on demographics, injury severity, the timing of injuries, the data on immigrant status, occupational hand injury prevalence in local and immigrant populations, and basic data on treatment methods were collected and analyzed. Results:The study revealed that 31.9% of individuals with hand injuries were migrants. Injuries were more prevalent during the last working days of the week and in the 35-50 age group. The 2nd finger exhibited the highest injury rate. Surgical interventions were required for 63.95% of patients, with 32.72% of those identified as immigrants. Conclusions:The study highlights that hand injuries are more common among immigrants and sheds light on their vulnerability in occupational settings. Factors such as increased risks in industrial jobs, language barriers, and social and cultural adaptation problems contribute to this increased sensitivity. To reduce these inequalities and increase workplace safety, special preventive measures, personal protection method training, as well as frequent repetition of language, social and cultural adaptation training will reduce the severity of hand injuries and injuries due to occupational accidents in the migrant population as well as in the general population.