During your workplace activities, you may be subject to certain hazards which are contributing factors to the conditions described in this section. As the number of hazards you are subject to increases, the more likely you are to develop the condition.

Vibration

Vibration from tools such as jackhammers, grinders, drills or chainsaws can lead to these serious conditions:

• Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome
• White Finger Disease (Raynaud's Phenomenon)
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Repetitive Movements / Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)

Repetitive motion weather working on an assembly line, at a computer, or with power tools can lead to:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Repetitive movements of the arms - constant swinging of a hammer, for example - can also generate:

• Tendonitis

Slashing

In some workplace environments, sharp tools or materials are a necessary part of the production process. Whether you work with razor-sharp knives or glass that can fragment into deadly shards, make sure you follow all safety procedures and protect yourself with 100% Kevlar^® gloves, jackets or forearms cuffs by Impacto.  Spectra^® woven gloves for slash protection and SuperFabric^® puncture resistant products are also available to provide optimum protection.

Grip Force

While keeping a firm grip on the tool you're using may seem like a good way to get the job done, it multiplies the damaging effects of sustained vibration or impact imparted to the body by tools like jackhammers, chainsaws or grinders.

• Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome
• White Finger Disease (Raynaud's Phenomenon)

Cold and Damp

Working in cold and damp conditions, whether it be on the job site, in the forest felling trees, deep in a mine, or even inside an unheated warehouse, is a proven factor that quickens the onset of conditions caused by vibration and deepens their severity. These conditions include:

• Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome
• White Finger Disease (Raynaud's Phenomenon)

Emotional Stress

Emotional stress, a factor that may sometimes be aggravated by workplace conditions unrelated to machinery, nevertheless contributes to the rapidity of onset and severity of physical conditions, particulary White Finger Disease (Raynaud's Phenomenon).

Overuse of Joints

Overuse of the wrist and hand from wringing, grasping, turning and twisting motions, such as may occur on production lines, computers, or through the use of power tools can lead to:

• Tendonitis
• Tenosynovitis
• Cumulative Trauma Disorders

Overuse of the arm through repetitive motion, for example, an auto worker using a hammer, may also result in

• Tendonitis

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