What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful condition of one or both hands, caused by pressure on the median nerve
• The median nerve runs down the arm and into the hand. It controls movement and sensation in the thumb, index and maybe middle finger.
• The carpal tunnel is a passage in your wrist made of bones and ligaments- the median nerve pass from the arm into the hand by passing through the carpal tunnel, along with several tendons that control hand movements.
• If there is increased pressure in this tunnel for any reason, it can press on the median nerve and cause symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Tradies face many challenges to their health. Whilst physical injury is often the first thing that springs to mind, there are many other health issues that need to be considered. With around 9% of Australians employed in the construction industry, these are matters that affect a large section of our population.

Mental Health and Suicide risk

Some aspects of tradie life can have a big impact on mental health. Long unsociable hours can affect family life and relationships, and there may be poor job security and financial stress- not knowing where the next job or next pay cheque will come from. Although public awareness of mental health has improved, there can still be a “macho” culture in the construction workplace, with pressure to maintain a tough “ invincible” image. This can make it harder to talk about problems such as depression, stress or anxiety. Sadly, suicide rates among tradies, construction workers and miners are far higher than in other occupations.

Nutrition and Exercise

Early mornings, long days and limited food options on construction sites can mean that soft drinks and unhealthy snacks become a standard part of the tradie’s diet. Over time, these sugary and salty options can lead to problems with weight gain and high blood pressure, which in turn become risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease and other chronic health problems. And whilst many tradies are quite physically active, some workers may end up operating machines or being relatively sedentary for long periods of time- leading to further problems with weight gain. Preparing a packed lunch with some fruit or veg is a good start, as well as rehydrating with water rather than soft drinks (even diet sodas appear to cause weight gain).

Occupational hazards

Workplace safety is a complicated area- every site and every job has its own dangers. Some may be very immediate risks such as working at height or with electricity. Others may involve damage over time- such as exposure to dust or noise. And there are always new pitfalls- for example, in recent times there have been cases of tradies with lung fibrosis or “silicosis” caused by dust inhaled while working with stone products in kitchens and bathrooms. Protecting yourself from these risks comes down to responsible health and safety practices on the job- and a culture of workers feeling able to speak out if they have concerns. Further information about safety in the workplace can be found at www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au

Skin

A lot of tradies spend long periods of time outdoors. It goes without saying that hats and sunscreen will reduce the long-term risk of skin cancer. If you notice a skin lesion or mole is getting bigger, darker, itchy, bleeding or changing shape, you should get a doctor to look at it as soon as possible. It may need to be biopsied or removed. Early detection of skin cancer means it’s easier to treat and in the case of melanoma, improves survival rates.

Back and Joint problems

Given the nature of tradie work, physical aches and pains are inevitable. Back pain, neck pain, joint problems and repetitive strain injuries are all very common. If you notice a niggling pain over time, it’s a good idea to see a physio or osteopath before it gets worse, as an exercise program or a few changes to your work practices may help a lot, and stop the problem getting worse.

Tradies National Health Month runs through August-  and it’s a great opportunity for tradies, employers and health professionals to have a conversation about the important health issues that affect so many hard-working Australians.

What qualifies as shift work?

Shift work is any job that is done outside normal daylight hours. It doesn’t have to be overnight to qualify- for example, a gym instructor who works early mornings and evenings would qualify as a shift worker. In recent years there has been a growing awareness of the negative effects of shift work on health and well-being. These effects are probably caused to some degree by disturbances in “circadian rhythm” – which is basically the night and day chemistry of our bodies, and is closely related to light exposure. But it’s not as simple as that- the social effects of shift work are very important, leading to pressure on relationships and family life which can have an impact on our well-being. And there is also the simple practicality of what to eat when it’s 4AM and the only food available is calling to you from a vending machine.

What can be done?

For many people, shift work is just a passing phase, for others it will be a long term way of life.  Whilst the science may not yet be definite, it does appear that shift workers are more prone to quite an array of health issues. What to do about it?

• A responsible employer will try to schedule shifts to reduce the negative impact on workers- most countries have specific guidelines and laws on this.
• Taking steps to maximise physical fitness, healthy eating and maintaining a healthy weight .
• In terms of the impact on social and family life, shift workers may benefit from more proactively planning their time off, to nurture their friendships and relationships.

Anyone whose job involves long term shift work would be wise to have a good check up with their GP every year or two- with assessment of fasting blood sugar, blood pressure and weight measurement -and to discuss any concerns they may have regarding sleep, mental health or other health issues. Like so many things in life, when it comes to being a shift worker-being proactive is always better than being reactive!