ABSTRACT
Epidemiology is the discipline which studies the distribution and the determinants of disease. Disease is defined as a state of departure from normal structures or functions within an organism. Epidemiology: 1) generally studies large groups of people, and 2) uses statistical techniques which provide quantified descriptions which, in turn, provide information, which may be used to control the incidence of disease. Epidemiology is usually identified with the medical profession; however, epidemiological approaches may be used by the safety and health professional who is often concerned with the incidence and distribution of injury and illness in the workplace or among members of the public. The following sections contain statistical information which relates to hand tools and other injury and illness issues as well. This information will indicate the relative importance or unimportance of the hand tool in relation to the overall efforts practiced by safety and health professionals.
