Background: Throughout the world, work related injuries continue to cause serious public health problems and are leading cause of death, disability and disease. In developing countries including Ethiopia, the risk of having work related injury is 10 to 20 times higher than that of developed countries.

Objectives: This study investigated the magnitude and extent of work-related injuries among small and medium scale industrial workers in Gondar Woreda.

Methods: Stratified random sampling technique was employed to identify the industries. A total of 962 workers at production site were interviewed from both industries. Three hundred twenty one from small and 641 from medium scale industries were selected proportionate to population size. Workers from each industry were selected using simple random sampling technique. Trained data collectors administered a standardized questionnaire through face- toface interview. Physical examination, record review and workplace observation were done to ascertain the self- reported information. Data were analysed by stepwise binary logistic regression model.

Results: The over all annual prevalence rate of work related injury was 335/1000 exposed workers, with 355/1000 and 324/1000 among small and medium sale industrial workers, respectively. Fifty five (17.1%) of the injured respondents were hospitalised, accounting for 40% hospitalisation more than 24 hours. One hundred and three (53.9%) of the injured respondents were absent from work for more than 3 days. There were 2 deaths as result of work related injuries in the last 12 months. The significant contributing factors for work related injuries in both industries were young age(<30 years) [adjusted OR: 1.41, 95 % CI: (1.03-1.93)],job categories, 5 years or less in the present job [OR: 1.53, 95 % CI: (1.12-2.08)], working 48 hours or less per week [OR: 0.68, 95 % CI: (0.49, 0.94)] ,workplace supervision [OR: 0.61, 95 %CI: (0.45, 0.83)] ,sleep disorder[OR: 1.49, 95 %CI: (1.04,2.14)] and job satisfaction [OR: 0.59, 95 %CI: (0.43,0.83)] .

Conclusion: Young age, job category, lack of experience, and sleep disorders were increased the risk of work related injuries. Working 48 hours or less, workplace supervision, and job satisfaction decreased the occurrence of work related injuries. Preventive measures concerning health and safety training, regular workplace supervision and establishment of active and functional occupational health and safety programmes are essential to safeguard the health and safety condition of workforce in small and medium scale industries.