Can Employers Prevent Their Employees From Developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Other Repetitive Stress Injuries?

The physical effects of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be prevented or at the very least, substantially diminished, if it is detected early and timely treatment is received.

Companies who employ computer operators can substantially reduce the incidence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by implementing ergonomic and health and wellness programs. The typical cost of modifying a workstation runs as little as $100 to $300 per employee. By making these changes, it has been shown that the incidence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other Repetitive Stress Injuries can be reduced by as much as 70%.

It is estimated that Repetitive Stress Injuries “costs employers over $80 billion yearly.

According to the National Council of Compensation Insurance, the average compensation a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome victim receives is approximately $33,000.00.

In addition to the monetary compensation Carpal Tunnel victims receive, there are numerous other costs to employers:

• low employee morale
• lost time from work
• retraining expenses
• decreased productivity
• increased health costs

Implementing ergonomic programs to prevent workers from developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, has proven to be a long-term cost effective solution. However, employers are reluctant to expend the money necessary to make these changes. believing that it is easier and more cost effect to replace those workers who have been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, with younger, healthier workers.