Occupational Health Support For DSE Users

1. Occupational Health Support For DSE Users Sandi Adams RGN, BSc Hons (OHN) SCPHN

2. Outline • The role of occupational health • The role of OH with regard to DSE • Carpel tunnel syndrome including: • What is CTS and how does it impact on DSE work? • OH advice for employers and employees • Supporting the return to work • Prevention of future problems • Self help

3. The Role of Occupational Health • a public health speciality that considers the effect of the work environment on employee health and the influence of employee health on the ability to work • an advisory function for employers and employees, not a treatment service

4. The Role of Occupational Health can also include: • Pre-placement assessment • Health surveillance • Vaccination e.g. seasonal flu • Incident investigation/follow up/support • Employee assessment • Self referral • Management/HR referral, including sickness absence management and advice

5. Role of Occupational health with regard to DSE • Employer support • Advice on preventing problems developing • Advice on managing employees with DSE related issues e.g. work adaptations, specialist equipment • Return to work advice and support via management referral of employee

6. Role of Occupational health with regard to DSE • Employee support • Prevention or management of problems e.g. musculo-skeletal/carpel tunnel syndrome/headaches/visual problems • Post operative/post treatment support as appropriate • Return to work advice and support via management referral

7. Carpel Tunnel Syndrome • Occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist • Causes burning, tingling, numbness in the palm of the hand and fingers; symptoms often appear at night at first and then during the day as the condition worsens • Can also cause decreased grip strength and difficulty in differentiating between hot and cold

9. Carpel Tunnel Syndrome • Who’s at risk of developing the condition? • Women are 3 times more likely to develop it • Those with diabetes or other metabolic disorders • Adults • Assembly line workers • DSE users

10. Carpel Tunnel Syndrome • Causes • Congenital predisposition e.g. a small carpel tunnel • Previous trauma or injury to the wrist causing swelling • Mechanical problems with the wrist joint • Repetitive actions • Repeated use of vibrating hand tools

11. Carpel Tunnel Syndrome Prevention • Encourage employees to • discuss difficulties/pain/discomfort with Line Manager at earliest opportunity • perform stretching exercises • take frequent rest breaks from repetitive tasks • consider task rotation • Ensure that workstations are ergonomically designed to maintain a natural wrist position

12. Carpel Tunnel Syndrome Treatment – non-surgical • Initially rest for up to 2 weeks • Avoid activities which worsen symptoms • Immobilise the wrist in a splint to avoid further damage • Medication • Stretching and strengthening exercises once symptoms are reducing • Alternative therapies, e.g. acupuncture, chiropractic care

13. Carpel Tunnel Syndrome Treatment – surgical • Open release surgery • Endoscopic release surgery – faster functional recovery, smaller incisions allowing return to normal activities in a shorter period of time

14. Carpel Tunnel Syndrome Recovery • May take 4-6 weeks before able to return to work • A phased resumption of hours and duties may enable an earlier return to work • recovery to full function may take months

15. Self Help • Staff should be encouraged to move from a static posture and stretch regularly • The following exercises can be used • Join in if you would like to!

16. Exercises for the workplace • One of the biggest injury risk factors is static posture. • Try to spend at least 5 minutes every hour away from your computer. • Remember to ONLY stretch to the point of mild tension. • Try to incorporate the stretches into your daily routine. Hand Exercises • Tightly clench your hand into a fist and release, fanning out the fingers. Repeat 3 times

17. Back and Shoulder Exercises • Stand up straight, place your right hand on your left shoulder and move your head back gently. Do the same thing for the right shoulder

18. Head and Neck Exercises • Move head sideways from left to right and back to left • Move head backwards and then forward

19. Computer and Desk Stretches … • Sitting at a computer for long periods often cause neck and shoulder stiffness and occasionally lower back pain. Encourage staff to do these stretches every hour or so throughout the day. Also get up and walk around the office whenever you think of it. You’ll feel better.

20. … Computer and Desk Stretches …

21. … Computer and Desk Stretches

22. Thank you Any questions?