Abstract
We conducted a case-crossover study of transient risk factors for occupational acute traumatic hand injury in 232 subjects recruited from occupational health clinics in New England. The a priori hazard period was 10 minutes before the injury. The control period for each subject was the total work-time exposed in the previous month. The relative risk for using malfunctioning or different from usual equipment or tools in the hazard period was 21.2 (95% confidence interval = 15.7–28.6). Relative risks were also significantly elevated for performing a task using an unusual work method, doing an unusual task, being distracted, or being rushed. Wearing gloves was protective (relative risk = 0.6, 95% confidence interval = 0.3–0.9). We conclude that the case-crossover design is an appropriate method for studying transient risk factors for sudden-onset occupational injury.
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