Are You Creating Preventative Methods for Employees at Risk for Carpel Tunnel

In today’s world, carpal tunnel is one of the most common repetitive stress injuries. In fact, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, there are about 900,000 new cases in the U.S. annually.

In many of these instances, the condition is caused by workplace habits and tasks. This, in turn, can lead to expensive workers compensation claims and costs. So what can you do to prevent the rise of carpal tunnel in your workplace? As one of the top staffing agencies in Holland, MI, Gill Staffing has the answers you need. 

What is carpal tunnel syndrome? 

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve, which goes from the forearm into the palm of the hand, gets repeatedly squeezed or pressed at the point of the wrist. The median nerve is responsible for small muscle movements at the base of the thumb, as well as providing feeling to the palm side of the thumb to the index and part of the ring finger. When this area is repetitively irritated over time, there’s inflammation or fluid retention that compresses the nerve. This leads to tingling, weakness, muscle pain in the hand and wrist, and other related issues.

Who is at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome? 

When it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome, it usually on occurs in adults. Women are more at risk for the condition than men. In fact, they’re three times more likely than develop it. It’s thought that the reason being is that the carpal tunnel area is smaller in women than in men. In addition, those with medical conditions such as diabetes or other similar metabolic disorders have a higher risk of developing it than those without these health issues to. Finally, those who perform certain jobs that require repetitive use of their hands, wrists and arms can develop it. For instance, those who perform work on an assembly line.

How can you prevent it?

There are many steps you can take in the workplace to limit the impact of carpal tunnel and ensure your workers remain healthy. This includes:

• encouraging them to perform certain stretching exercises before beginning work every day;
• showing them the correct posture to sit in and what position to keep their wrists in;
• prompting them to keep hands warm and stretched throughout the day; and
• ensuring processes, as well as equipment and tools, are designed to be more ergonomic.

Don’t let carpal tunnel limit productivity at work. Follow the tips above to keep employees safe, comfortable and on the job.

If, however, you have an employee on leave from carpal tunnel or another work-related injury, Gill Staffing can help fill the gap until they return. As one of Holland, MI’s leading staffing agencies, we have access to a wide range of skilled and dependable workers ready to hit the ground running for you. Contact us today to learn more or get started.