FEATURE HEALTH & SAFETY
WHY FACTORY WORKERS need to be aware of CRPS
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is easily misdiagnosed in the manufacturing sector. Melanie Burden of Simpson Millar Solicitors offers guidance on its identification and treatment
T
he HSE has reported that each year in the manufacturing sector around 3%
of workers suffer from an illness they believe to be work-related. The main causes of an injury as reported by employers are heavy lifting and manual handling (25%); slip, trips and falls (21%); struck by object(s) (12%); and contact with machinery (12%). In this respect it is important that everyone working in manufacturing should be aware of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This is a disease that many are unfamiliar with and can be easily misdiagnosed. However, the triggers for developing the condition in this line of work are high.
WHAT IS CRPS? CRPS is a condition where sufferers experience persistent, severe debilitating pain which can have an enormous impact on their personal lives and work performance. Most cases are triggered by an injury and the resulting pain is much more severe and long-lasting than normal. It is claimed that doctors are not sure what actually causes some individuals to develop CRPS while others with similar trauma do not. In more than 90% of cases the condition is triggered by a clear history of trauma or injury. The most common triggers are fractures, sprains/strains, soft tissue injury (burns, cuts or bruises), limb immobilisation (eg wearing a cast) or surgical or medical procedures (eg needlestick).
Anyone injuring their hand/fingers are
particularly vulnerable to this condition as there are many bones, tendons and nerves in the hand and if any nerves are directly or indirectly damaged as a result of the accident or an injured person needs surgery to repair the injury they can go on to develop this condition. CRPS in the hand/finger can be
triggered generally by the following mechanisms of injury where the nerves
might be affected: l a musculo-skeletal injury such as a
crush injury or injury to the nerve; l a minor injury eg cut to the finger; l after surgery (commonly when this involves repair of fractures/damaged
nerves to hands/arms/feet); l after immobilisation eg in a cast/splint.
SYMPTOMS If anyone has been unfortunate enough to suffer an injury, some of the main
symptoms of CRPS include: l burning intense stabbing pain; it can
also be described as a cold pain; l experiencing pain from the lightest of touches; the medical term for this is allodynia (eg experiencing a painful reaction from something that you would not normally expect to cause pain such as
stroking the skin with a feather); l an extreme pain reaction to painful
stimulation; l continued intense pain after injury where you normally would have expected to make a full recovery;
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20 FEBRUARY 2016 | FACTORY EQUIPMENT
stylish, making it ideal for the modern workplace. It features a breathable mesh upper, composite toecap and is 100% non-metallic, making it ideal for metal-free environments. This shoe offers an alternative for those wanting more casual footwear which meets all technical and safety standards. The Zeus Boa/Vibram black leather boot with a
Vibram outsole is ideal for those working in heavy industrial and hazardous environments such as factories. Boa offers no laces, consistent ankle support and quick release for easy removal. It ensures perfect fit with even closure and is completely non-metallic with a composite toecap.
Arco
www.arco.co.uk
l abnormal swelling in affected area
(oedema); l skin colour changes/mottling; l excessive sweating in affected area; l abnormal nail and/or hair growth; l abnormal skin temperature in the affected area (one side of the body differs
by more than 1% to the other); l joint tenderness/stiffness; l restricted or painful movement; l cracked/grooved/brittle nails; l tremors and muscle spasms (dystonia); If any of these symptoms or pain is
burning and intense and does not seem to be improving we strongly recommend a referral to the local pain clinic. The sooner a diagnosis is reached the sooner treatment can commence and the better the outcome. Many people suffering from chronic pain conditions, particularly CRPS can experience psychological symptoms and recognised psychiatric disorders. This can be because living with a long term pain condition can be very distressing and cause depression and anxiety. Accessing psychological treatment and support can be extremely beneficial to people caught in a cycle of chronic pain.
HOW CAN ANY RISK BE AVOIDED? Prevention is the best policy. While all manufacturing businesses should ensure the rigorous use and enforcement of health and safety regulations and that all risk assessments are regularly reviewed and updated, workers generally should be particularly mindful and remain vigilant of potential causes. These can include the use of power tools, sharp objects and anything that could lead to a crush injury. Where there are protective guards and stop controls it is imperative to have these in place and correctly fitted and that all are easily accessible. Regular tool box talks are a very good
way of reinforcing the risk assessments and safety measures by keeping everyone watchful of anything that may give way to danger and also the risk of CRPS.
HSE report: The costs and benefits of active case management and rehabilitation for musculoskeletal disorders
HSE
www.hse.gov.uk / FACTORYEQUIPMENT
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