Repetitive strain injuries (RSI's) like carpal tunnel syndrome
(CTS) are costing consumers, private business and insurance
companies more than $100 billion in lost revenue each year.
According to The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research,
"Musculoskeletal disorders are the country's most costly
category of workplace injuries and illnesses. In addition to
spending $20 billion annually on workers' compensation costs due
to RSIs (Like Carpal tunnel syndrome), the U.S. spends another
$100 billion on lost productivity, employee turnover, and other
indirect expenses.
The goal of every private business and insurance company should
be to cut costs, and this goal can only be met when carpal
tunnel syndrome and other "tunnel syndrome" disorders are
addressed in a scope of "prevention" rather than after the fact
and have to address the injury through "rehabilitation" methods.
Rehabilitation costs to businesses and insurance companies are
much greater than costs associated with prevention, and has an
even higher toll on the individual afflicted with the disorder
(carpal tunnel) in terms of both psychological and physical
damages.
The key to cutting costs associated with CTS and RSI's is
"prevention", which can be achieved through a variety of
methods. By implementing the methods listed below, overall costs
can be reduced dramatically and optimum health and productivity
of the individual can be maintained.
· Job Rotation: Individuals that rotate tasks, including the
amount of force they utilize for each task and the amount of
time each task is performed reveals a great reduction in the
level of carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive strain
injuries.
· Stretch / Exercise Breaks: Taking a short break every 30-45
minutes is key to reducing the onset of repetitive strain
injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. The most important
prevention element on this list is to perform appropriate
exercises and stretches to improve circulation and keep the
muscles in tune and balanced. (For a good list of stretches and
exercises, speak to the employee health director or to a
certified therapist)
· Workstation: Operating in the correct environment is "key" to
reducing the possibility of getting carpal tunnel syndrome.
Proper seating, a good keyboard, computer screen, mouse, desk
set-up, positioning, etc. is critical to reducing the amount of
strain imposed on a daily basis.
· Tools: When using tools for assembly and construction, you
must be sure that they are properly designed to fit you, not
someone else.
To save as much money as possible for everyone involved, it is
wise to implement as many of the elements listed above. By
addressing all angles conceivable, the chances of an injury
reduce dramatically and workers stay healthy. When workers are
healthy, productivity and output increase, reducing healthcare
costs and increasing the bottom line for all.
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