The median number of days away from work due to amputations in 2005, the latest year studied by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, was 22 days – or more than four work weeks.

Carpal tunnel syndrome resulted in a median 27 days away from work – more than five work weeks. Fractures also accounted for a median 27 days lost work time.

Less severe in terms of lost work-time was tendonitis (median 12 days lost), sprains and strains (median 8 days lost), heat burns (median 5 days lost), bruises and contusions (median 4 days lost), cuts and lacerations (median 4 days lost) and chemical burns (median 3 days lost).