High-tech advances in the last 20 years have caused many people to rely heavily on technology, and more specifically, on computers and advanced machinery. Often, when utilizing these kinds of equipment, users are working with their hands and wrists – causing strain on parts of the body that historically were not commonly strained.
Because of this, carpal tunnel syndrome is becoming a growing problem for people across all industries. However, ergonomically designed equipment can help alleviate and possibly even eliminate the likelihood of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The carpal tunnel is an inch-wide passageway in the wrist. The sides and floor of the tunnel are made up by the small wrist bones called carpal bones (source). Within this “tunnel” is the median nerve, which controls the muscles around the base of the thumb and provides feeling in the index, middle, and ring fingers.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tunnel becomes narrow or when the tissues surrounding the tunnel swell and put pressure on the median nerve (source). This nerve pressure can result in pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand.
Though there are a few risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome, one of the most common risks is repetitive hand use. Doing activities that involve extreme flexion or extension of the hand and wrist for a prolonged period of time can increase pressure on the nerve (source). For these reasons, ergonomic practices are the ideal resolution for alleviating the pressure, by removing the need for extension.
Ergonomic Controls Implemented on The UniMove
The UniMove incorporates a wide variety of ergonomic features. It also implements the most current ergonomic design criteria throughout the vacuum lifter to minimize operator effort in repetitive tasks, especially when it comes to the hand controls. These design details include:
– Adjustable Control Handle: the control handle can be adjusted to ergonomically accommodate all hand sizes to reduce unnecessary hand flexion or extension.
– Straight Handle Rest: the straight handle rest position means a straight hand position and minimized wrist rotation. In addition, the straight design evenly distributes forces across the operator’s entire palm.
– Thumb Rests: this simple addition eliminates uncomfortable pinch grip.
– Cushioned Control Surface: this surface is used to absorb vibration and temperature changes to keep the hand safe and comfortable during operation.
These simple design additions help minimize operator effort in repetitive tasks and can therefore lower the risk of the operator developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
Start Working Ergonomically with UNIMOVE, LLC.
UNIMOVE LLC. is the original US manufacturer of ergonomic vacuum tube lifters and has created an ergonomic advantage to anyone looking to automate lifting scenarios. Their systems are superior in quality, durability, and reliability to any other lifter on the market, with the highest lifting capacities in the industry for both porous and non-porous loads.
In addition to cleverly designed hand controls, the UniMove also works to eliminate lifting related back injuries in the workplace. To learn more about this ergonomic solution and to give your employees a hand in lifting scenarios, contact UNIMOVE LLC. today!