Background: Occupational activities involving repetitive friction, mechanical pressure, and handling of tools or materials may produce visible morphological changes in the palms and fingers. These characteristics may provide supplementary information in forensic investigations. The aim of this study is to examine and describe occupationally associated palm and finger morphological characteristics among individuals from selected occupational groups.

Methods: A descriptive observational study was conducted among 200 individuals from Bhopal district, Madhya Pradesh, equally distributed across four groups: brick kiln labourers (n=50), carpenters (n=50), cobblers (n=50), and corporate workers (n=50). Participants' age ranged from 21 to 55 years. Palm prints were collected using fingerprint ink and printing materials and examined visually with a magnifying glass.

Results: Each occupational group represented 25% (50/200) of the study population. Brick kiln labourers exhibited calluses, skin hardening, cuts, scars, blisters, and apparent friction ridge alterations, with grouped average work experience ranging from 7 to 28 years. Carpenters demonstrated roughness, blister formation, calluses, cuts, and scars, with work experience ranging from 12 to 25 years. Cobblers showed needle marks, finger bending, scars, skin thickening, and calluses, with work experience ranging from 12 to 30 years. No visible occupationally associated marks were reported in the 50 corporate worker samples (0/50).

Conclusion: Distinct descriptive patterns of palm and finger alterations were observed across occupational groups. These characteristics may provide supplementary information in occupational and forensic assessments; however, further quantitative studies with standardised scoring and statistical testing are required to establish their reliability and occupational specificity