[Occupational hand injuries. A population-based description of the incidence and referral to casualty departments].

The overall incidence of self-reported occupational hand injuries in a Danish population was estimated to 4.7%, with the highest incidence among the youngest, men and employees in the production and building industries. The life-time risk were 93% for men and 73% for women. Age and gender were found to be independent risk factors for the occupational hand injuries. The proportion treated in the casualty department was 0.28, for injuries with disability and time off work the proportions were 0.46 and 0.69 respectively. No age, gender or occupation specific selection for attending the hospital was found. Prevention-trials against hand injuries should therefore have a high priority, and it is recommended that hospital data files are used increasingly in future prevention programs.