[Jewelry making - Article 00096] - Re: [Orchid] Is lapidary hard on the hands? - Carpal Tunnel

[Gerry]

========[ Invite a Friend - http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm  ]========


    All, I have not suffered any damage that could be called carpal
    tunnel syndrome or any other repetitive stress injury in over 25
    years of daily use of facetors, stone grinding, and sawing
    equipment. As I have aged many of the unhealthy practices I have
    practiced in the past have slowly caught up with me.  What I am
    noticing is that the vibrations from the machines and the long
    periods spent in one position all tend to aggravate body parts that
    have been taken for granted in the past.  For instance in order to
    grind large numbers of cabs quickly you must have a large grinder
    that you stand up to work. The larger the grinder the more
    vibrations.  As you work 10-14 hours you lean upon the grinder and
    the vibrations work through your body. This constant vibration has
    aggravated an acid reflux in my body.  I have been on medication for
    it for the last two years and may be on it for the rest of my life. 

    In faceting I have had my hands go numb from many hours of holding
    the quill in the same position. Also your arm, legs, and back cramp
    up after 10-14 hours on the machine. Another problem with facetors
    and people who carve sitting down is body fluid accumulates in your
    legs. As you get older the problem becomes worse. 

    As for the situation of putting a disabled employee with a repetitive
    stress injury on a machine I would get a medical clearance first. I
    would also contact a lawyer to make sure that you are covered in case
    the work makes the injury worsen.  As the employer you could lose
    everything you have worked for if an injury occurs and you are not
    covered.  Remember, this is business.  As much as you like the person
    he could be an unnecessary risk. 

Gerry Galarneau


____________________________________________________________________
T h e   O r c h i d   L i s t
Open Electronic Forum for Jewelry Manufacturing Methods and Procedures
____________________________________________________________________
Orchid FAQ:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/faq.htm
Orchid Archives:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive
Orchid Galleries:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/gallery.htm
Invite a Friend:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm
____________________________________________________________________
Tips From The Jeweler's Bench - Article Archive
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/tip_sear.htm
The Jeweler's Selected Bibliography List
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books
Buy Orchid Jewelry:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/shop
____________________________________________________________________
-Unsubscribe:
-Email: orchid-request AT ganoksin.com Body=unsubscribe subject=blank
____________________________________________________________________