Prevent repetitive motion injuries with tools that fit the job – and the hand.

Construction workers use many hand tools, and may even overuse them, which can lead to hand, wrist, or arm injuries, report hand tool experts at the Center to Protect Workers’ Rights (CPWR).

For example, a worker can be injured if he or she must hold a tool tightly for a long time or must keep twisting the handle to make it work. Either action can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, white finger, tendonitis and other painful problems. These problems can become so severe they may even require the worker to quit working in construction altogether.

Protect yourself

From selection through use and even knowing when a tool is worn out, you can reduce your chances of injury. The CPWR experts recommend the following ways you can protect yourself and workers:

When you buy a hand tool:

1. Look for a tool that needs less force to use it.

2. Look for a tool that is balanced – one that doesn’t tip forward or back when you hold it.

3. The handle should be comfortable in your hand — not too thick, too small or too short.

4. The handle should not conduct electricity or heat. Working with a cold handle can make some repetitive stress injuries worse.

5. The tool should not hurt your hand when you hold it tightly. It should not have sharp edges, finger grooves or ridges.

6. Choose a tool with a non-slip handle or with a surface made of soft materials, like rubber or plastic. Some tools offer a special plastic, rubber sleeve or custom grip kit that allows you to customize the grip.

If the job requires lots of force, use a tool that has a handle long enough to accommodate your whole hand — not just your fingers. That gives a power grip instead of just a pinch grip. A longer handle can improve leverage and reduce hand stress.

8. Consider a thicker handle if you plan on wearing gloves while using the tool.

9. For pliers and wrenches, consider a handle with a spring return that opens the tool after it’s removed from the fastener. This can save wear and tear on finger muscles.

Consider using tools with a bent angle or adjustable angle. This can help keep your wrist in a straight, or neutral, position. For instance, on walls, a pistol grip is better.

Power tool selection tips

With power tools, consider:

1. A long trigger that allows more than one finger for control.

2. Tools with lower vibration and noise levels. If a tool has excessive vibration, users must grip them harder, which can injure muscles. Excessive vibration can damage blood vessels in your hand and cause a condition called white finger.

3. Use a tool that is heavy enough to do the job, but not so heavy that it adds strain to the worker.

4. If more than one person will use a tool, look for one that’s comfortable for everyone to hold. Left-handed and right-handed workers or workers with big and small hands may need different tools.

More tool use tips

• If the tool has a blade, keep it sharp and in good condition. This can reduce the force the tool requires and reduces hand and wrist stress.

• Try to use tools with your wrist in the neutral – unbent – position.

• Try to rest your hands during the day. Even a perfect tool can hurt you if you must use it repeatedly and for long periods of time. Lay down the tool or put it in a holster when you don’t need it.

• Use a power tool when you can to reduce hand and arm fatigue.

• Beware of “ergonomic “ labels on tools. Only the user can tell if the tool is comfortable and easy to use, so it makes sense to try many tool styles until you find one you like. Everyone has a different hand size, strength, and preferences.

• One tool can’t do all jobs. If you use a tool for a job for which it was not designed, the job will be harder to do.

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