[Hallb-engineering] Fwd: Recent Repetitive Trauma Injuries at Jefferson Lab

[Dave Kashy]

Hi All,
Please be aware that repetitive motion injuries are possible and take action to prevent them.
We had a meeting with Smitty on cable removal that was beneficial and we can have more as needed.

Thanks
Dave



----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "Mary Logue" <logue at jlab.org>
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Cc: "Tina Johnson" <cjohnson at jlab.org>, "Mary Logue" <logue at jlab.org>
Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 9:00:59 AM
Subject: Recent Repetitive Trauma Injuries at Jefferson Lab


Last week Jefferson Lab experienced its first ever diagnosed case of occupational Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by compression of the nerves at the wrist. The main symptom is intermittent numbness of the thumb, index, long and radial half of the ring finger. Less-specific symptoms may include pain in the wrist or hands and loss of grip strength. 




We often connect CTS with computer work; however CTS is actually associated with repetitive activities of the hand and wrist, with a combination of forceful and repetitive activities . In this case, the employee worked for long hours over an extended period (months) of time using a torque wrench, tightening bolts. This action sometimes involved flexed hands while forcefully gripping the tool. The pressure point of the wrench was on his carpal tunnel. 

Two days later, another employee reported experiencing elbow pain after approximately 2 months of intermittent cable cutting and crimping for multiple hours of the day. 

There is lots of of work left to go with the Long Shutdown that requires repetitive work similar to what these two workers were performing. So my message that I ask you to share with your team is this: 



    * If your team's work involves repetitive work, contact Occupational Medicine (x7539) and make an appointment for Dr. Chandler to evaluate your work. There may be other tools or work practices that you can employ to prevent pain and swelling due to repetitive trauma. 
    * If anyone on your team experiences pain or tingling in the fingers, make them report to Occupational Medicine. Don't wait to see if the pain goes away. The sooner such symptoms are treated, the quicker the employee is pain-free, and the less likely they are to progress to a more serious phase. 



By the way, office ergonomics can also be challenging. If there are any concerns about office work stations, please contact Occupational Medicine at 7539 to request an office ergonomics consultation. 

Mary Logue 
Director, Environment, Safety, Health & Quality 
Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility 
12050 Jefferson Avenue 
Suite 602 
Newport New, VA 23606 
757-269-7447 


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