---
title: Reducing Repetitive Motion Injuries at Packing Stations
description: Repetitive motion injuries are common for e-commerce shippers using hand-held tape guns.  These injuries cost employers $1.8 billion annually. What can be done?
image: https://blog.betterpackages.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Wrist%20Pain-3.jpg
---

[800.474.8273](tel:+1800.474.8273)  |  [Distributors Login](https://www.betterpackages.com/distributors-only/)  |  [Distributors Locator](https://www.betterpackages.com/distributors/)  |  [Shop Account](https://www.betterpackages.com/my-account/)  |  [Cart](https://www.betterpackages.com/cart/)  |  [Contact Us](https://www.betterpackages.com/contact/)

[![Better Packages, Inc.](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/1601908/hubfs/social-suggested-images/logo.png?width=256&height=96&name=logo.png)](https://www.betterpackages.com/)

- [Products](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/) 
    - [Curby® Sustainable Packaging](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#curby-sustainable-packaging/)
    - [Manual Water-Activated Tape Dispensers](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#manual-water-activated-tape-dispensers)
    - [Electric Water-Activated Tape Dispensers](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#electric-water-activated-tape-dispensers)
    - [Inkjet Systems](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#inkjet-systems)
    - [Water-Activated Tape](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#water-activated-tape)
    - [Parts](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#parts)
    - [Carton Sealing Machines](https://www.betterpackages.com/products#carton-sealing-machines)
    - [Need Help Finding a Model?](https://www.betterpackages.com/find-a-model/)
- [Parts & Service](https://www.betterpackages.com/parts-and-service/) 
    - [Buy Better Pack Parts Online](https://www.betterpackages.com/parts)
    - [Buy Interpack Parts Online](https://www.betterpackages.com/part-category/interpack/)
    - [Parts Drawings and Operator Manuals](https://www.betterpackages.com/parts-drawings-and-operator-manuals/)
    - [Set-up, Operation, and Maintenance Videos](https://www.betterpackages.com/tape-dispenser-videos/)
    - [Preventive Maintenance Tips](https://www.betterpackages.com/preventive-maintenance/)
    - [Service and Repair Request](https://www.betterpackages.com/service-repair/)
    - [Troubleshooting Tips](https://www.betterpackages.com/water-activated-tape-dispenser-troubleshooting/)
    - [Warranty Registration](https://www.betterpackages.com/warranty-information/)
    - [Warranty Registration](https://www.betterpackages.com/warranty-information/)
- [Industries](https://www.betterpackages.com/industries/) 
    - [Automotive Aftermarket Parts](https://www.betterpackages.com/automotive-aftermarket-parts/)
    - [B2B E-Commerce](https://www.betterpackages.com/ecommerce-packaging/)
    - [Beauty and Cosmetics](https://www.betterpackages.com/beauty-and-cosmetics/)
    - [Electronics and Computers](https://www.betterpackages.com/electronics-and-computers/)
    - [Home Goods](https://www.betterpackages.com/home-goods/)
    - [Jewelry](https://www.betterpackages.com/jewelry/)
    - [Luxury Goods](https://www.behttps://www.betterpackages.com/luxury-goods/tterpackages.com/endure-environmental-extremes/)
    - [Sporting Goods](https://www.betterpackages.com/sporting-goods/)
- [Resources](https://www.betterpackages.com/industries/) 
    - [About](https://www.betterpackages.com/automotive-aftermarket-parts/)
    - [Who We Are](https://www.betterpackages.com/ecommerce-packaging/)
    - [Safety Matters](https://www.betterpackages.com/beauty-and-cosmetics/)
    - [Is Your Business Using The Right Packaging Tape?](https://www.betterpackages.com/electronics-and-computers/)
    - [FAQs](https://www.betterpackages.com/home-goods/)
    - [Carton Sealing Options](https://www.betterpackages.com/jewelry/)
    - [SGS Tape Tests and Studies](https://www.behttps://www.betterpackages.com/luxury-goods/tterpackages.com/endure-environmental-extremes/)
- [Blog](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog)

[![Better Packages, Inc.](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/1601908/hubfs/social-suggested-images/logo.png?width=256&height=96&name=logo.png)](https://www.betterpackages.com/)

- [Products](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/) 
    - [Curby® Sustainable Packaging](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#curby-sustainable-packaging/)
    - [Manual Water-Activated Tape Dispensers](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#manual-water-activated-tape-dispensers)
    - [Electric Water-Activated Tape Dispensers](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#electric-water-activated-tape-dispensers)
    - [Inkjet Systems](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#inkjet-systems)
    - [Water-Activated Tape](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#water-activated-tape)
    - [Parts](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#parts)
    - [Carton Sealing Machines](https://www.betterpackages.com/products#carton-sealing-machines)
    - [Need Help Finding a Model?](https://www.betterpackages.com/find-a-model/)
- [Parts & Service](https://www.betterpackages.com/parts-and-service/) 
    - [Buy Better Pack Parts Online](https://www.betterpackages.com/parts)
    - [Buy Interpack Parts Online](https://www.betterpackages.com/part-category/interpack/)
    - [Parts Drawings and Operator Manuals](https://www.betterpackages.com/parts-drawings-and-operator-manuals/)
    - [Set-up, Operation, and Maintenance Videos](https://www.betterpackages.com/tape-dispenser-videos/)
    - [Preventive Maintenance Tips](https://www.betterpackages.com/preventive-maintenance/)
    - [Service and Repair Request](https://www.betterpackages.com/service-repair/)
    - [Troubleshooting Tips](https://www.betterpackages.com/water-activated-tape-dispenser-troubleshooting/)
    - [Warranty Registration](https://www.betterpackages.com/warranty-information/)
    - [Warranty Registration](https://www.betterpackages.com/warranty-information/)
- [Industries](https://www.betterpackages.com/industries/) 
    - [Automotive Aftermarket Parts](https://www.betterpackages.com/automotive-aftermarket-parts/)
    - [B2B E-Commerce](https://www.betterpackages.com/ecommerce-packaging/)
    - [Beauty and Cosmetics](https://www.betterpackages.com/beauty-and-cosmetics/)
    - [Electronics and Computers](https://www.betterpackages.com/electronics-and-computers/)
    - [Home Goods](https://www.betterpackages.com/home-goods/)
    - [Jewelry](https://www.betterpackages.com/jewelry/)
    - [Luxury Goods](https://www.behttps://www.betterpackages.com/luxury-goods/tterpackages.com/endure-environmental-extremes/)
    - [Sporting Goods](https://www.betterpackages.com/sporting-goods/)
- [Resources](https://www.betterpackages.com/industries/) 
    - [About](https://www.betterpackages.com/automotive-aftermarket-parts/)
    - [Who We Are](https://www.betterpackages.com/ecommerce-packaging/)
    - [Safety Matters](https://www.betterpackages.com/beauty-and-cosmetics/)
    - [Is Your Business Using The Right Packaging Tape?](https://www.betterpackages.com/electronics-and-computers/)
    - [FAQs](https://www.betterpackages.com/home-goods/)
    - [Carton Sealing Options](https://www.betterpackages.com/jewelry/)
    - [SGS Tape Tests and Studies](https://www.behttps://www.betterpackages.com/luxury-goods/tterpackages.com/endure-environmental-extremes/)
- [Blog](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog)

 Distributors Login  Distributors Locator  Shop Account  Cart  Contact Us

- Categories
- Follow Us

[Subscribe](https://learn.betterpackages.com/subscribe)

- [Automotive](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/automotive)
- [Better Packages](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/better-packages)
- [Corrugated Cartons](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/corrugated-cartons)
- [E-Commerce](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/e-commerce)
- [Fine Jewelry](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/fine-jewelry)
- [Furniture](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/furniture)
- [Maintenance](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/maintenance)
- [Packing & Shipping Tips](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/packing-shipping-tips)
- [Pharmaceuticals](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/pharmaceuticals)
- [Sporting Goods](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/sporting-goods)
- [Tape Dispensers](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/tape-dispensers)
- [Water-Activated Tape](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/water-activated-tape)

- <https://twitter.com/WATisbest>
- <https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-packages-inc-/>

[  View All Posts](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog)

[Subscribe](https://learn.betterpackages.com/subscribe)

[E-commerce](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/e-commerce) | [Packing & Shipping Tips](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/packing-shipping-tips) | [Tape Dispensers](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/tape-dispensers) | [Safety](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/topic/safety)

# Reducing Repetitive Motion Injuries at Packing Stations

 By: [Better Packages](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/author/better-packages) on February 1st, 2018

 Print/Save as PDF

- Share:
- <https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/reducing-repetitive-motion-injuries-at-packing-stations>
- <https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Reducing+Repetitive+Motion+Injuries+at+Packing+Stations&url=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/reducing-repetitive-motion-injuries-at-packing-stations&via=>
- <https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/reducing-repetitive-motion-injuries-at-packing-stations&title=Reducing+Repetitive+Motion+Injuries+at+Packing+Stations&summary=Repetitive+motion+injuries+are+common+for+e-commerce+shippers+using+hand-held+tape+guns.++These+injuries+cost+employers+%241.8+billion+annually.+What+can+be+done%3F>
- <https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/reducing-repetitive-motion-injuries-at-packing-stations&media=https://39499362.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/39499362/Imported_Blog_Media/Wrist%20Pain-3.jpg&description=Repetitive+motion+injuries+are+common+for+e-commerce+shippers+using+hand-held+tape+guns.++These+injuries+cost+employers+%241.8+billion+annually.+What+can+be+done%3F>
- [mailto:?body=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/reducing-repetitive-motion-injuries-at-packing-stations](mailto:?body=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/reducing-repetitive-motion-injuries-at-packing-stations)

Repetitive motion injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome, are a common concern for shippers operating packing stations.  These repetitive motion injuries are one of the 10 most common causes of Workers' Comp claims.  They cost employers in all industries $1.8 billion each year, according to the [Insurance Journal](https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2015/01/16/354285.htm).

![Wrist Pain-1.jpg](https://blog.betterpackages.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Wrist%20Pain-1-2.jpg?width=500&height=375&name=Wrist%20Pain-1-2.jpg)

What can shippers, especially high-volume e-commerce shippers, do to prevent these on-the-job injuries?  We asked three Better Packages Senior Vertical Sales Managers to talk about their impact and discuss some of the solutions they suggest when they consult with customers about packaging station safety. The three experts are:

 

- Michelle Adams
- Rob Hoffman
- Marc Schaible

 Why are these injuries so common among packing station workers?  Our experts pointed to the use manual tape guns to seal packages.  Particularly in a high-volume environment, these hand-held tape guns result in the overuse of a particular muscle or group of muscles.  “An individual may experience repetitive motion injuries in pack stations because of their recurring gripping or grasping of tape guns in high volume packing environments. This can generate a lot of wear and tear on the hand, wrist and elbows.  This results in injuries,” points out Adams.  “We have learned from our customers that the most common injury is carpal tunnel syndrome.  It often comes when workers use a hand-held tape gun that forces them to apply pressure on their wrists repetitively to use these sealing devices.”

Concern about these injuries is one of the biggest motivators for shippers to switch to electric water-activated tape dispensers.  “We have developed programs for a number of customers that say this was a motivating factor in their decision to convert to electric water-activated tape dispensers, says Schaible.  “They wanted to eliminate packer injuries in the hand and wrist due to the repetitive motions needed to use a manual tape gun.”

In many cases, changing to electric water-activated tape machines has a dramatic impact on worker safety.  “In our experience these dispensers eliminate most pack stations injuries because the associate does not need to repeatedly pull, push and tear tape to secure a package as they do with a hand-held tape gun,” says Hoffman.  Adams concurs: “The electric water-activated tape dispensers really do help eliminate carpal tunnel syndrome in pack stations because using them does not require consistent repetitive motions in workers’ hands, wrists and elbows.”  

Many e-commerce shippers concerned about repetitive motion injuries have turned to Better Packages electric water-activated dispensers. “If a customer is concerned about repetitive motion injuries, we help inform them about Better Packages electric dispensers.  These are used in 35 out of the top 50 leading e-commerce fulfillment centers,” says Adams.  “We think that’s because Better Packages electric dispensers are the most reliable machines and improve employee safety by effectively eliminating repetitive motion in the hand, wrist and elbows.”

Schaible sums up the reasons that so many customers are eliminating repetitive motion injuries this way: “Water-activated tape dispensed through a Better Packages electric dispenser is the safest way to seal a carton. It reduces packer movements and fatigue over the course of a shift and therefore reduces the potential for injury.”

**Learn more about using water-activated tape dispensers and water-activated tape. **

  

 

**Better Packages | Water-Activated Tape Dispensers and Tape**

[Better Packages](http://betterpackages.com/) offers a complete line of water-activated tape dispensers.  Its parent company, Intertape Polymer Group, sells a full line of Central® brand water-activated tape, including reinforced and non-reinforced tape.  In addition to providing products for packing stations, the companies help their customers analyze and solve their packing station challenges.

- <https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/reducing-repetitive-motion-injuries-at-packing-stations>
- <https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Reducing+Repetitive+Motion+Injuries+at+Packing+Stations&url=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/reducing-repetitive-motion-injuries-at-packing-stations&via=>
- <https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/reducing-repetitive-motion-injuries-at-packing-stations&title=Reducing+Repetitive+Motion+Injuries+at+Packing+Stations&summary=Repetitive+motion+injuries+are+common+for+e-commerce+shippers+using+hand-held+tape+guns.++These+injuries+cost+employers+%241.8+billion+annually.+What+can+be+done%3F>
- <https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/reducing-repetitive-motion-injuries-at-packing-stations&media=https://39499362.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/39499362/Imported_Blog_Media/Wrist%20Pain-3.jpg&description=Repetitive+motion+injuries+are+common+for+e-commerce+shippers+using+hand-held+tape+guns.++These+injuries+cost+employers+%241.8+billion+annually.+What+can+be+done%3F>
- [mailto:?body=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/reducing-repetitive-motion-injuries-at-packing-stations](mailto:?body=https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/reducing-repetitive-motion-injuries-at-packing-stations)

[![logo](https://blog.betterpackages.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Template%20Items/logo.png?width=256&height=96&name=logo.png)](https://www.betterpackages.com/)

#### Contact Customer Service

[Phone 800.474.8273](tel:800.474.8273) [Email info@betterpackages.com](tel:info@betterpackages.com) [mailto:](mailto:) [mailto:](mailto:)

[Contact Us](https://www.betterpackages.com/contact/)

- [Solutions](https://www.betterpackages.com/solutions/) 
    - [Increase Packaging Productivity](https://www.betterpackages.com/increase-packaging-productivity/)
    - [Tamper Evident Packaging](https://www.betterpackages.com/tamper-evident-packaging/)
    - [Brand Your Packages](https://www.betterpackages.com/brand-your-packages/)
    - [Improve Warehouse Packer Safety](https://www.betterpackages.com/improve-warehouse-packer-safety/)
    - [Reduce Packaging Waste](https://www.betterpackages.com/reduce-packaging-waste/)
    - [Endure Environmental Extremes](https://www.betterpackages.com/endure-environmental-extremes/)
    - [Sustainable Packaging](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/curby-sustainable-packaging/)

- [Products](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/) 
    - [Curby® Sustainable Packaging](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/curby-sustainable-packaging/)
    - [Manual Water-Activated Tape Dispensers](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#manual-water-activated-tape-dispensers)
    - [Electric Water-Activated Tape Dispensers](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#electric-water-activated-tape-dispensers)
    - [Water-Activated Tape](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#water-activated-tape)
    - [Parts](https://www.betterpackages.com/products/#parts)

- [Learn](https://www.betterpackages.com/learn-landing/) 
    - [About](https://www.betterpackages.com/about)
    - [FAQs](https://www.betterpackages.com/frequently-asked-questions/)
    - [Maintenance Videos](https://www.betterpackages.com/tape-dispenser-maintenance-videos/)
    - [Blog](https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog)
    - [Contact Us](https://www.betterpackages.com/contact/)

 © 2026 Better Packages All rights reserved.  | [Terms & Conditions](https://www.betterpackages.com/terms)  | [Privacy Policy](https://www.itape.com/privacy-policy/)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Better Packages",
    "url" : "https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/author/better-packages"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2023-08-17T14:22:43.018Z",
  "datePublished" : "2018-02-01T05:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Reducing Repetitive Motion Injuries at Packing Stations",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.betterpackages.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Wrist%20Pain-3.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.betterpackages.com/blog/reducing-repetitive-motion-injuries-at-packing-stations",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.betterpackages.com/hubfs/logo.png"
    },
    "name" : "IPG"
  }
}
```