Mariners: excessive needle gun use can cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Repeated use of needle guns and other pneumatic tools commonly found aboard vessels can lead to repetitive injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).

Symptoms of CTS include burning, tingling and numbness of the thumb, index and ring finger that can result in pain so intensive as to wake up a person at night

Repetitive injuries are some of the most common type of injuries on a vessel.

Mariners can and do prevail in Jones Act lawsuits for repetitive injuries. In order to prevail, he or she must demonstrate: a regular use of vibrating hand tools such as needle guns, chisel guns and wire wheels; frequent jobs with awkward hand positions; and excessive and frequent pressure upon the base of the hand or the wrist.