Over 32% of work-related injuries are to the Upper Limb: Early intervention can help reduce the risk

Injuries to the hand or upper limb can have a serious impact on a worker’s ability to perform their job, particularly in industries that rely on manual tasks and repetitive hand movements.

There is however good news: early intervention through hand therapy not only improves recovery outcomes, it also significantly reduces time off work.

Here’s why acting early matters:

According to Safe Work Australia, upper limb injuries account for over 32% of serious workers’ compensation claims, with an average of 7.4 weeks lost per claim.

Injuries involving the wrist, hand, and fingers are among the most common, and costly, when it comes to time away from work.

When rehabilitation is delayed, function can deteriorate quickly. Studies show that the longer an injured worker is off the job, the less likely they are to return at all. After just 12 weeks off work, the chance of ever returning drops to 50%.

Early access to a hand therapist can lead to:

  • Faster recovery times: Initiating therapy within the first two weeks has been linked with shorter durations of disability and faster return to work.
  • Improved functional outcomes: Early mobilisation and task-specific retraining help reduce stiffness, pain, and muscle atrophy – all of which can prolong absence.
  • Reduced healthcare costs: A 2020 study in Journal of Hand Therapy reported that patients who began therapy early required fewer total sessions and had lower overall treatment costs.

At Action Rehab, we work closely with injured workers, employers, and case managers to support Return to Work (RTW) goals. Our hand therapy team is experienced in WorkCover claims and can guide workers through:

  • Gradual return-to-duty planning through multi-disciplinary teams
  • Splinting, wound care, and scar management
  • Workplace modifications and education

Early intervention isn’t just about speeding up healing, it’s about preventing long-term disability.

For injured workers, employers, and insurers, the message is clear: don’t wait. Refer early and start therapy as soon as possible.

Ready to refer or have a question?

Contact our team
Call 1300 762 227

If you are experiencing pain, swelling, discomfort, or dysfunction of the joints, anywhere from your shoulder to your fingers, you’ve come to the right place.

For more on common work-related injuries and how Action Rehab can help, visit our work-related injuries page.

Over 32% of work-related injuries are to the Upper Limb: Early intervention can help reduce the risk | Action Rehab - Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand Physiotherapists
Over 32% of work-related injuries are to the Upper Limb: Early intervention can help reduce the risk | Action Rehab - Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand Physiotherapists

Author

  • Megan Hitchens | Occupational Therapist and Clinic Managerat Action Rehab Hand Therapy Melbourne

    Megan graduated from Latrobe University with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Occupational Therapy Practice. Whilst completing her studies Megan has worked in allied health clinics in reception and understands the importance of great communication with patients and the difference it can have on patient outcomes.

    During University Megan studied a variety of health-related fields including human anatomy and nutritional sciences. She also has clinical experience working in Hand Therapy, Geriatric Evaluation and Management and community health in the Northern Territory. Spending time in the Northern Territory in her third year of OT cemented her passion for helping individuals.

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