Author: MN Occupational Health

Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome a Workplace Injury?

Carpal tunnel syndrome might be the best-known of all office health issues. So many people spend their days sitting at a computer and end up suffering from painful, frustrating aches and cramps. However, it is not always considered a work-related issue, so it is important to properly file your claim. After you file, your employer’s workers compensation claims managers are then tasked with accepting or declining the claim. They can either deny that the injury is work related or accept the claim as work-related. With some injuries the work-relatedness may be obvious, however with the symptoms of repetitive stress, causation and responsibility can be much more difficult.

Repetitive Stress Injuries Such As Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Repetitive stress injuries are not caused by a one time event but rather an accumulation of repetitive motions. Carpal tunnel happens when too much pressure is placed on the median nerve of the wrist. As this pressure continues over time, it can cause pain, tingling, and numbness. It can be treated by rest and anti-inflammatory medications, but sometimes surgery is necessary. Sometimes the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome are permanent, so employers are hesitant to accept those claims.

Is It Actually A Workplace Injury?

Unfortunately, there are competing medical studies about whether carpal tunnel syndrome is only a repetitive stress injury. In fact, there may be several potential causes of carpal tunnel syndrome. It is also related to hypothyroidism, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Work-relatedness and causation are determined on a case-by-case basis based upon the First Report of Injury, medical history, finding from the physical exam(s), other work and non-work activities and sometimes the review of other medical data in addition to the employee’s work tasks.

Having Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Prior To Employment

Any time that medical records are examined for a benefits claim, there should be a check of the employee’s history. If they have had carpal tunnel previously, that may hurt a claim. However, if it is shown that the job tasks aggravated a previous injury or condition, then it can still be successful. The employer will thoroughly investigate the history of the employee before agreeing to any claim of carpal tunnel being a new injury.

Providing Notice of the Injury

In most cases, a worker must provide notice in the form of a First Report of Injury to their employer regarding a work-related injury within a required period of time. However with repetitive stress injuries, this can be difficult since it is hard to know the actual date of injury. With these injuries, the last day the employee is at work can be considered the date of injury, since it is essentially the time the worker could no longer function at their job.

 

If you are a Minnesota worker who has been injured on the job, do not hesitate to contact Minnesota Occupational Health online, by phone or by visiting one of our Twin Cities locations. Our staff of physicians, many of whom are board certified in occupational medicine, offer years of experience and understanding in addressing work injuries.

What You Need to Know About Ladder Safety

Every day, workers around the country get injured performing the very basic task of climbing up a ladder. It is an activity that may seem simple and safe, but people often do not use ladders as safely as they should, and it becomes a recipe for disaster. Estimates show that around 300 people die annually due to falling from ladders. A large percentage of those are people who are working when it happens. There may be any number of reasons to be up on a ladder while on the job, but there is no reason you shouldn’t be as safe as possible while you are. Here are some tips to keep safe while on a ladder on the job.

First off, make sure to follow any instructions and labels that come with the ladder. The manufacturer will obviously know best how to use the ladder safely, so it is best to follow their guidelines.

Next you should keep any materials that may cause you to slip away from a ladder. This  includes liquids, tools, or anything that might be lying around the site.

You should always have three points touching the ladder. That may been two hands and a foot, or one hand and two feet. This will help make sure that you are secure on the ladder and able to react if you were to lose your balance.

Sometimes it is not the climber or even a malfunctioning of the ladder that causes the fall. It may be another worker coming by and causing the accident. They may be carrying something that knocks someone off the ladder, or they might simply run into the ladder if they are not paying attention. Make sure to put up a barrier or some sort of notification to warn others.

Make sure the ladder is solid and secure on level ground. It may look straight, but if all the legs are not completely on the ground, you can cause it to tip when you put weight on it. If you feel a ladder wobbling, then get off of it immediately.

The OSHA also has regulations for ladder use, so make sure that you are familiar with them. Plan your work and use the right ladders and safety techniques, and you should be safe when using ladders at work.

If you are a Minnesota worker who has been injured on the job, do not hesitate to contact Minnesota Occupational Health online, by phone or by visiting one of our Twin Cities locations. Our staff of physicians, many of whom are board certified in occupational medicine, offer years of experience and understanding in addressing work injuries.

 

A Guide To Radon

The winter is the perfect time to consider the dangerous effects of radon. Radon accumulates naturally and it can be dangerous to humans. When we’re outside more often in the summer months, it does not pose as big of a threat. However, if it accumulates inside of a building it is extremely harmful to human health. Here are some things to know about radon.

What Is Radon And Why Is It Dangerous?

Radon is a gas that occurs naturally from the deterioration of uranium in soil, water, and rock. It is radioactive, which means it is dangerous in large enough doses. It is invisible, scentless, and tasteless, so you will not even know you are inhaling it. Often, a home will get inundated with uranium from the soil under the basement. Other than cigarettes, there is nothing that causes more lung cancer, and kills 20,000 people every year.

The EPA says that any exposure carries with it the risk of lung cancer, so it’s vital to keep the radon level in your home as low as possible. A person will get more radiation from radon than from any other source, assuming they do not work with radioactive materials on a regular basis.

What To Do?

Since radon is most certainly a major health risk, it is a good idea to purchase a kit at your local hardware store to test the levels in your home. Place the tester on the lowest floor of your home to get the best readings. You can also hire a professional to check your levels. If your level is higher than 4 pCi/l, then it is elevated.

If you have high levels of radon, then you should call a professional immediately to deal with the problem. They will use a process called Active Soil Depressurization (ASD). This process will remove the radon from your home and prevent it from recurring. It involves using a pipe that runs through the floor of the basement and up through the roof. Strategically placed fans will push the radon out into the atmosphere where it will not cause any harm.

Radon is not something to be taken lightly, as it can kill you or your family. Make sure to have your home tested and if necessary, treated, to keep your family safe.

If you are a Minnesota worker who has been injured on the job, do not hesitate to contact Minnesota Occupational Health online, by phone or by visiting one of our Twin Cities locations. Our staff of physicians, many of whom are board certified in occupational medicine, offer years of experience and understanding in addressing work injuries.

Sleep Deficiency 101: Make Sure To Get Your Z’s

There are too many people out there who do not realize how important it is to get a good night’s sleep. Sixty years ago, the average american slept 7-8 hours a night. Now, 6 hours is the average. Sleep disorders are on the rise, which means workplace accidents related to insomnia and fatigue are on the rise as well. Shift work is also an issue, as those workers claim to be sleeping as little as 4 hours a day. Here is some more information about sleep and sleep deficiency that will inspire you to hit the hay a little earlier tonight.

Why Are We Sleeping Less?

There are a few reasons why we are sleeping less on average than in the past. Our work and home lives have drastically changed, making getting a quality sleep harder than ever. For one, Americans are working longer hours than in the past, which means there is less time outside of work to do the things we want and need to do, like spend time with family. Plus, we are constantly connected through our smartphones and devices, which means that some of us are never really “off” work, since we can be contacted at any time. This also means we are trying to fall asleep after essentially shining a beam of light into our faces right before bedtime.

Consequences

First of all, not getting enough sleep can be dangerous. Workplace accidents increase when workers are not properly rested. Every year, people are killed because they are fatigued at work. Employers lose up to $92 billion every year in lost productivity from tired employees.

How To Get More Sleep

There are several things an employer and employee can do to try to get more sleep. Employers should create an environment that values and encourages rest, such as having a nap room and encouraging staff to unplug after work hours. Employees should make sure they are getting to bed at a consistent time each night, and to try to do something other than stare at their phone before trying to sleep.

If everyone were to get more sleep, workplaces would be much safer, and would probably provide employees with a less cranky environment, too.

If you are a Minnesota worker who has been injured on the job, do not hesitate to contact Minnesota Occupational Health online, by phone or by visiting one of our Twin Cities locations. Our staff of physicians, many of whom are board certified in occupational medicine, offer years of experience and understanding in addressing work injuries.

A Helpful Guide to Vaccines

Over the pest several decades, vaccines have dramatically decreased the number of cases of many diseases and saved millions of lives. Nowadays, many formerly deadly diseases have been almost completely eradicated. Getting vaccinated has become a vital part of maintaining your health. However, many adults do not get their booster shots after a certain age. Here are some reasons why you should vaccinate.

Protection Against Disease

Vaccines work by putting inactive viruses or bacteria into your immune system. That way your immune system can get used to them and be able to recognize them and fight them later. If it recognizes a threat it can defeat it because it will learn how to fight it.

Protect Others

Of course vaccines will help you protect yourself. However, getting vaccinated will also help protect others. There are people out there who, for medical reasons or otherwise, are not able to fight off diseases or get vaccinated. If you are not vaccinated, you may pass a disease onto those who are immunocompromised and they can become seriously ill.

No Missed Time

Even if you get through a disease without any permanent damage, you may miss some things that you did not want to. Missing work at an inopportune time can cause you stress and anxiety. Or, you may miss important family or social events because you are sick.

What Might You Need?

Depending on a variety of factors, such as your age and your history of vaccinations, you might need to get a booster of some vaccines. When you are 16, you should get a meningitis vaccine. You should also get MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), pneumonia protection, and varicella boosters. Getting a tetanus shot should be done every 10 years. Check with your doctor to find out what you might need.

Flu Shot

It is always a good idea to get a flu shot every year. Each year the formula is changed to better fight against the strain of flu that is expected to be prominent that year. The best time to get it is before the flu season. If you are an older adult over the age of 65 you should get a pneumonia vaccine as well.

Getting vaccinated will help keep you, and your community, as healthy as possible. Consult your healthcare provider today.

If you are a Minnesota worker who has been injured on the job, do not hesitate to contact Minnesota Occupational Health online, by phone or by visiting one of our Twin Cities locations. Our staff of physicians, many of whom are board certified in occupational medicine, offer years of experience and understanding in addressing work injuries.

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5 Tips to Manage Stress at Work

You can’t escape stress. Whether you are at work, or planning a fun event, or raising kids, there are things that can cause anxiety in just about any situation. The only thing we can do is try to manage our stress and anxiety to prevent the situation from feeling worse. Here are some strategies to help with this.

Self-Care
Make sure to take care of yourself as best as possible. That means getting the proper amount of sleep on a nightly basis. Screens, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops can affect your sleep as well. If you have trouble sleeping, then it might be best to consult a doctor. Also, eating healthier can help too. Being prepared with healthy snacks at work means you will be less likely to eat unhealthy junk food.

Take Breaks
Sitting at your desk for long periods of time can affect your posture and cause you pain and discomfort. It can also have a negative effect on your heart. Moving around can help with stress, so make sure to get up and walk around. You can also sit quietly and breathe for a while to help settle yourself down.

Go Easy On The Caffeine
Coffee is a big part of the day for a lot of people. It is a great reason to take a break, and it can give a boost in the morning when you might be a little groggy. However, too much caffeine can cause high blood pressure and other issues. High blood pressure can trigger symptoms of stress, and will also make it harder for you to manage stress.

Attitude Is Everything
Attitude can sometimes make all the difference in how you handle stress. Keeping positive, even when it seems like everything is going wrong can help you reduce stress. There can still be conflicts, but taking time to calm down and staying positive will help.

Take Some Time Away
It is vital to take some time away from your job every once in awhile to decompress and have a break. There are people who think taking too much time will make them seem lazy and not dedicated. However, the fact is that taking time off will allow you to be more productive when you return.

You will never be able to eliminate stress, but these tips can help you manage it.

If you are a Minnesota worker who has been injured on the job, do not hesitate to contact Minnesota Occupational Health online, by phone or by visiting one of our Twin Cities locations. Our staff of physicians, many of whom are board certified in occupational medicine, offer years of experience and understanding in addressing work injuries.

Safety Tips for Welding

Each Minnesota Occupational Health (MOH) clinic is staffed and equipped to function as a full-service urgent care center just for work injuries. If you are a Minnesota worker who has been injured on the job, do not hesitate to contact Minnesota Occupational Health online, by phone or by visiting one of our Twin Cities locations. Our staff of physicians, many of whom are board certified in occupational medicine, offer years of experience and understanding in addressing work injuries.

Welding can be a rewarding and well-paying career, but you do not want to take your safety for granted. Welding itself can be a dangerous activity if not done correctly, and can sometimes take place in areas that are unsafe, such as construction sites. Here are some tips to make sure that you are as safe as possible while welding.

You Are Grounded

Keep an eye on your connections and make sure they are properly grounded. If metal connections are covered with paint, they can be a safety hazard. Never use ropes or chains made of wire for grounding.

Flat Surfaces Are Vital

Your welding equipment should always be positioned on a flat surface. It should not be anywhere near materials that are combustible, such as paper and gasoline. Welding should never be done in the rain, since electricity and water do not mix well, and you could get seriously injured.

Be Careful of Gas

Any gas cylinders that you have must be attached with metal chains to supports. A protective cap must be in place as well before you transport them. If you want to use a hose, make sure that it is one specifically made for welding.

Inspection

Inspect your hoses as often as possible using soapy water and checking for bubbles. If a hose looks worn, then replace it as soon as possible. Patching is not acceptable. You can inspect your workspace to make sure there are no loose papers or tools and that everything is put away. You do not want to trip while welding, since it could be extra dangerous.

Use The Right Tools

If you need a specific tool for task, then use that tool. Do not try to make do with another tool. For instance, do not use pliers to pick up hot metal. Use the correct tool to do so.

Glasses

High impact glasses are absolutely mandatory when cutting or grinding. Do not even take them off in the shop, since flying debris could hit you in the face. Also, you may forget to put them back on. You must wear a face shield while welding to protect your face and eyes from damage. Not just from debris, but from the high intensity light as well.

Ventilate

Good ventilation is crucial to protect from any harmful fumes. A fan is a good thing to clear those fumes away.

Medical Surveillance Helps to Detect Health Threat to Workers

More and more evidence suggests that those working in the commercial coffee manufacturing industry or local cafes should be concerned about their health. A study of workers at a coffee manufacturing facility showed that they had more respiratory issues than workers of a similar age group working in a different industry.

Those working on a production line performing fairly innocuous tasks such roasting, scooping beans, grinding and packaging coffee could be at risk of developing sinus and other mucous membrane symptoms. This fact is a result of their interaction with green coffee dust, chaff and roasted coffee dust, according to the study.

A third of the workers screened had abnormal breathing tests, with the likely culprits being two volatile organic compounds – diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione – found in the production process.

Diacetyl was blamed for many injuries and some deaths in the microwave popcorn industry during the early 2000s.

If medical surveillance had not been carried out at the coffee production facility, the business in question would never have known the condition of its employees. The company would not have been able to change its safety and production standards.

Medical surveillance is the assessment of employees exposed, or potentially exposed, to occupational hazards. By carrying out an assessment of your workers, you can monitor individuals for adverse health effects and determine if your work conditions are contributing to poor health. This will allow you to take preventative measures.

New advances in healthcare and medicines can help keep your staff strong, fit and well enough to carry out necessary tasks. It is the employer’s role to ensure that steps are taken to promote the health of their employees, especially if they happen to work in hazardous environments.

How Can Minnesota Occupational Health Help With Medical Surveillance?

Medical surveillance usually involves attaining a standard level of one or more materials that workers have been or will be exposed to, then continually retesting to make sure that safe levels of exposures are preserved. When a level surpasses standards for safe exposure, Minnesota Occupational Health works with employers, employees and environmental health and safety professionals to help lessen any lasting impact on the workers. MOH can advise employers on work environment processes, policies and equipment to ensure safe exposure levels for particular duties.

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References:

Medical Surveillance for Workers’ Health. (2017, October 17). Retrieved November 02, 2017, from https://www.ulehssustainability.com/blog/occupationalhealth/medical-surveillance-for-workers-health/#sthash.Gk1vfkZi.dpbs

What Employers Need to Know About Worker Fatigue

Numerous circumstances including insufficient, interrupted or poor quality sleep over a period of time can result in worker fatigue. Fatigue is our body’s indicator that we need more rest. Long work hours and lengthy and fluctuating shifts can be very demanding on our bodies and minds. The body runs on a circadian rhythm sleep-wake cycle. Most people sleep best during the night. Changes in time zones, seasonal time changes and alternating work schedules can disturb the body’s natural cycle, resulting in fatigue and a lack of mental awareness.

Working prolonged shifts can also increase the effects of noise and other environmental challenges.

What Employee Population Does This Impact?

Erratic and prolonged shifts are widespread among transportation workers, first responders, emergency workers, military personnel, construction workers, hospitality workers and many others. Fatigue can cause exhaustion, irritability, reduced attentiveness, and more issues that can result in problems in the workplace. Numerous studies have shown that fatigue can be associated with health complications in certain people.

OSHA and the ACC Create Alliance to Promote Awareness for Diisocyanates Exposure

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American Chemistry Council (ACC) have formed a two-year partnership to bring awareness to diisocyante exposure in the workplace and promote safe methods for its utilization in the polyurethane industry.

Isocyanates are chemicals used to make adaptable and rigid foams, adhesives, fibers, coatings, and more. Human exposure to isocyanates can significantly irritate the skin and result in breathing problems.

OSHA and AAC are together recommending that an Internet-based training program be created to educate employers and staff on the safe use of chemicals and the possible ways in which exposure may occur. It will acquire information on medical surveillance and clinical evaluation strategies for employers and workers who use the chemicals.

The partnership will help guarantee that employers and employees in specific industries have a stronger understanding of the health risks associated with the identified chemicals. Ideally, the partnership will result in less cases of exposure.

The ACC includes the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) and the Diisocyanates and Aliphatic Diisocyanates panels. Representatives of these groups are comprised of manufacturers and suppliers of chemicals and equipment used to create polyurethane.

References:

Stefanie Valentic 1 | Sep 18, 2017. (2017, September 18). OSHA, American Chemistry Council Establish Partnership. Retrieved October 02, 2017, from http://www.ehstoday.com/industrial-hygiene/osha-american-chemistry-council-establish-partnership

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