Michigan Work-related Amputations, 2008

Background: Michigan's work-related amputation surveillance system quantifies and characterizes occupational amputations and facilitates remediation of workplace hazards. Objective: To identify and mitigate the hazards that cause amputations, to facilitate workplace investigations, and, ultimately, to significantly reduce the incidence of serious injury. Methods: Data were abstracted from medical records of patients treated for work-related amputations at Michigan hospitals in 2008 and linked to workers' compensation claims data. Incidents occurring at specific high-risk industries were referred to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration for potential worksite inspection. Results: A total of 616 Michigan residents sustained a work-related amputation (13.6/100,000 workers). Rates were highest for men, workers aged 20 to 24 years, and those in paper and wood product manufacturing. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducted 39 enforcement inspections in response to specific amputations. Conclusions: The surveillance system identified more than twice the number of work-related amputations as estimated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (N = 250) in 2008 and was the impetus for many worksite inspections that otherwise may not have occurred.