What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and what are your health and safety responsibilities?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects the hand and wrist, characterised by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel – a narrow passageway in the wrist. This compression can result in pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers.

Here’s a breakdown of what CTS is, its potential causes, the requirements according to RIDDOR, preventive measures and Health Surveillance.

What it is:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist. This compression can be caused by various factors, including repetitive hand movements, wrist injuries, certain medical conditions (such as arthritis or diabetes), pregnancy, and genetic predisposition.

Symptoms of CTS may include pain or discomfort in the hand, wrist, or forearm, numbness or tingling in the fingers (especially the thumb, index, and middle fingers), weakness in the hand, and difficulty performing tasks that require fine motor skills, such as gripping objects or typing.

Potential causes:

CTS is commonly associated with repetitive hand movements or activities that involve prolonged or awkward wrist positions. Occupations that require frequent use of vibrating tools, repetitive gripping, or forceful hand exertion are at higher risk of developing CTS. Examples include assembly line workers, typists, computer users, construction workers, and musicians.

RIDDOR requirement:

In the UK, the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) requires employers, the self-employed, and those in control of work premises to report certain work-related injuries, diseases, and dangerous occurrences. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome falls under the category of reportable occupational diseases if it is diagnosed by a doctor and is attributed to the individual’s work activities.

Employers have a legal obligation to report cases of CTS that meet the RIDDOR criteria to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or relevant enforcing authority. This includes cases where a worker has been diagnosed with CTS and it is believed to be caused or made worse by their work activities.

Preventive Measures:

Here are some strategies to help prevent CTS:

• Engineering Controls: Employers should implement engineering controls to reduce exposure to vibration, such as using tools with vibration-dampening features, providing anti-vibration gloves, and using shock-absorbing handles or grips.
• Administrative Controls: Implement work rotation schedules or job redesigns to limit the duration and intensity of exposure to vibrating tools, allowing for rest periods and reducing cumulative exposure.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide workers with appropriate PPE, such as anti-vibration gloves or hand-arm vibration monitoring devices, to reduce the transmission of vibration to the hands and wrists.
• Training and Education: Educate workers about the risks of vibration exposure and the importance of using proper techniques and equipment to minimize the risk of CTS and other musculoskeletal injuries.
• Health Surveillance (detailed more below): Conduct regular health surveillance programs to monitor workers who are exposed to vibration for signs and symptoms of CTS, providing early detection and intervention when needed.

Health Surveillance:

Health surveillance involves monitoring workers’ health to identify and prevent work-related health risks, including occupational diseases like CTS.

Employers may implement health surveillance programs to assess and monitor workers who are at risk of developing CTS due to their job duties. This can include regular assessments of hand and wrist function, symptom questionnaires, and medical examinations conducted by qualified healthcare professionals.

Health surveillance programs for CTS should be tailored to the specific risks and needs of the workforce, taking into account factors such as the nature of the work, exposure levels, and individual risk factors.

The aim of health surveillance is to detect early signs of CTS, provide appropriate interventions and support to affected workers, and implement preventive measures to reduce the risk of further injury or illness.

Conclusion:

Overall, effective management of CTS requires a proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential risk factors in the workplace, implementing appropriate control measures, and providing support and resources to workers to prevent or manage the condition. Compliance with regulatory requirements, such as RIDDOR reporting and health surveillance, is essential for ensuring the health and safety of workers at risk of CTS.

By implementing these preventive measures into your daily routine and work habits, employers can help reduce the risk of CTS and promote overall hand and wrist health. Workers should be proactive in using proper techniques and equipment to minimize their risk of injury and report any symptoms of CTS promptly to seek appropriate medical attention.