Stressful hand & wrist activity


Problem:

Workers who weld, braze and solder seams and joints may face hazards from stressful hand & wrist activity.


Risk Description:

Stressful hand and wrist activity may be forceful, repetitive, or characterized by extreme postures. Performing stressful hand activities while welding, brazing and soldering seams and joints can lead to tendon inflammation (tendonitis) in the hand, wrist, or elbow, or carpal tunnel syndrome.


Assessment Info:

To assess exposure to stressful hand and wrist activities, observe the task to determine the: 1) time spent in awkward postures (wrist is bent >20°); 2) repetitive nature of the task; and 3) force demands on the hands from lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling heavy objects (>10 lbs) or tools/parts (>5.5 lbs).