This paper is a review of the hand injuries occurring in the Yorkshire Wool Industry and referred to the Regional Plastic Surgery Unit for skin replacement, or other treatment, during the years 1965-1984. A total of forty-one cases has been seen, and although the number employed in the industry has fallen about fivefold, the injuries referred yearly have remained approximately constant. An analysis of the types of injury has been made and the improvement in the results is shown with changes in the method of acute treatment. The case for early referral, active initial treatment and early mobilisation is very obvious from the results.