Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the Workplace

How To Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the Workplace

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As with so many other repetitive strain and workplace injuries, accepting and identifying the risks are the best starting point when it comes to reducing injuries. By fostering an environment of understanding, procedures and systems can be put in place to minimise the risks of employees developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Risk assessment

Understanding that the risk of employees developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome exists is the first step in looking into how to avoid its development. By identifying any potential risks a company can then look into what are the best ways to reduce them.

Communication

A working environment where employees can easily communicate with their colleagues and superiors is beneficial for the whole company. If you feel that certain work activities are causing finger, hand or wrist pain, you should be able to speak to your line manager or human resources department about looking into different ways of performing your job, perhaps using different tools or taking appropriate breaks between activities. An ergonomics evaluation of your workstation could identify aspects that could reduce the risks of developing any kind of repetitive strain injury.

Taking suitable breaks

Performing any kind of repetitive task for long periods of time increases muscle fatigue and can lead to an increased risk of injury. Ensuring that employees have suitable rest periods between tasks, or giving them a variety of tasks within their role can allow them to rest certain muscle groups while maintaining activity and productivity.

Exercises

As well as taking breaks, there are a range of exercises that can be performed to reduce stress within the fingers, hands and wrists. Among these is one that can be beneficial after an operation to release the pressure, but also useful in reducing the development of the condition through maintaining flexibility and grip strength:

1: Make a tight fist and then straighten out each of your fingers and thumb
2: Touch the tip of each of your fingers to your thumb several times
3: Spread out your fingers as far as possible and then relax
4 Stretch out your arm with your palm facing upwards and then bend your wrist downwards. To increase the stretch you can use your other hand to gently bend your wrist further until you feel a mild stretch within the wrist. Hold this position for between 15 and 30 seconds and then repeat using the other arm.

Temperature awareness

Working in cold environments can exacerbate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms. If employees regularly spend time working in cold conditions employers should ensure they are provided with suitable clothing to protect them from the cold, as well as ensuring that they have appropriate breaks and chances to warm up.

General Health

While making sure that workplaces are safe for employees to go about their duties, some responsibility also falls upon the employees to look after their own health. Obesity can be a significant factor in the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, and alongside smoking and drinking can be a contributing factor to a range of illnesses and injuries caused due to the existing strain put on the body by these habits. By looking after your general health you are likely to minimise the risk of a range of injuries and illnesses.