Unforeseen occupational injury from textile foil printing machine: A case report exploring injury mechanism and forensic analysis

Despite significant efforts to enhance workplace safety, occupational injuries constitute a substantial proportion of the overall injury burden globally. The textile industry is a prominent global industrial sector that utilises a variety of machinery to transform fibres into cloth. This article reports an unusual case in which an injury was caused by a textile hot foil printing machine, a device that is generally regarded as safe. A 40-year-old man suffered severe injury to his upper limb while attempting to introduce fabric into the foil printing machine during the machine’s initial operation time. The injuries are characterised by a combination of abrasion, laceration, crush injury, fracture, and avulsion. The patient was treated surgically, and there was a significant physical and economic burden. Establishing the occurrence and mechanism of injury is essential for raising safety awareness and reducing the likelihood of dangerous injuries among stakeholders. In conclusion, this case report highlights the potential hazards associated with textile hot foil printing machines, despite their apparent level of safety. Heightened awareness, protective measures, and comprehensive training are pivotal to prevent such occupational hazards any industrial settings.