Dear Shelly Richards,
As of recent, two out of the three data-entry operators have gotten Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or repeated motion sickness. In the future, the company will have to hire more operators, and we would like to prevent them from getting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. As per your request, I have put together information on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and prevention measures so the work place will be safe for all employees. All the information was gathered from secure sources that are exclusively for educational purposes.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a nerve disorder that results from pressure on the median nerve, where it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist and hand from the forearm, and is the most common type of repetitive motion injuries (Thornton). The symptoms of CTS manifest in many ways including tingling, numbness, a burning sensation and pain in the hand, wrist, and forearm, as well as a buzzing or electric-shock feeling when the forearm muscles are relaxed (Atkinson). Additional symptoms may include weakness or clumsiness of the hand, faulty sensation in the area innervated by the median nerve, aggravation of symptoms with increased use of the hand, especially grasping. While these symptoms vary in each case, the most common symptom that accompany CTS include pain, numbness and weakness of the hand. If CTS is not treated it could result in partial or complete disability of the hand (Greer, Jenkins and Roberts). Research has suggested that one cause of CTS is doing the same motion repeatedly, such as keyboarding or using a computer mouse (Atkinson). In recent years workers compensation claims from employees who have CTS have increased. However, more than half of CTS cases are not work related (Atkinson). Some risk factors put people at a higher risk of getting CTS. These include weight, shortage of vitamin C and vitamin 136, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, and smoking. If employees have any of these preexisting conditions and then develop CTS, some employers have to pay workers compensation because it seems like the condition is work related. When an employer is educated about the causes of CTS, they will not pay workers compensation for a condition that was not caused by work (Atkinson). Employees should not assume they have this condition until they check with a reliable doctor and undergo testing, and are certain the symptoms are from work related CTS. There are ways to ensure that employees do not get this condition while keyboarding, or computing information while sitting at a desk throughout the day. This information should be told to employees so they do not injure themselves while working. The following are some suggestions from Mayo Clinic …show more content…
All the recommendation should be followed, as this will enhance the working environment of the employees and ensures there are no injuries. Implementations may include a foot pedal in place of a key on the keyboard, a headrest and many more options. While this might be expensive, it may be more lucrative than paying compensation for even one employee. The average cost for a CTS case is over $13,000 (Atkinson). The one time investment of getting new office furniture and equipment will be more worthwhile for the company than paying workers compensation to employees. This will also boost the company’s reputation, as they will be known for caring for their
As of recent, two out of the three data-entry operators have gotten Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or repeated motion sickness. In the future, the company will have to hire more operators, and we would like to prevent them from getting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. As per your request, I have put together information on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and prevention measures so the work place will be safe for all employees. All the information was gathered from secure sources that are exclusively for educational purposes.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a nerve disorder that results from pressure on the median nerve, where it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist and hand from the forearm, and is the most common type of repetitive motion injuries (Thornton). The symptoms of CTS manifest in many ways including tingling, numbness, a burning sensation and pain in the hand, wrist, and forearm, as well as a buzzing or electric-shock feeling when the forearm muscles are relaxed (Atkinson). Additional symptoms may include weakness or clumsiness of the hand, faulty sensation in the area innervated by the median nerve, aggravation of symptoms with increased use of the hand, especially grasping. While these symptoms vary in each case, the most common symptom that accompany CTS include pain, numbness and weakness of the hand. If CTS is not treated it could result in partial or complete disability of the hand (Greer, Jenkins and Roberts). Research has suggested that one cause of CTS is doing the same motion repeatedly, such as keyboarding or using a computer mouse (Atkinson). In recent years workers compensation claims from employees who have CTS have increased. However, more than half of CTS cases are not work related (Atkinson). Some risk factors put people at a higher risk of getting CTS. These include weight, shortage of vitamin C and vitamin 136, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, and smoking. If employees have any of these preexisting conditions and then develop CTS, some employers have to pay workers compensation because it seems like the condition is work related. When an employer is educated about the causes of CTS, they will not pay workers compensation for a condition that was not caused by work (Atkinson). Employees should not assume they have this condition until they check with a reliable doctor and undergo testing, and are certain the symptoms are from work related CTS. There are ways to ensure that employees do not get this condition while keyboarding, or computing information while sitting at a desk throughout the day. This information should be told to employees so they do not injure themselves while working. The following are some suggestions from Mayo Clinic …show more content…
All the recommendation should be followed, as this will enhance the working environment of the employees and ensures there are no injuries. Implementations may include a foot pedal in place of a key on the keyboard, a headrest and many more options. While this might be expensive, it may be more lucrative than paying compensation for even one employee. The average cost for a CTS case is over $13,000 (Atkinson). The one time investment of getting new office furniture and equipment will be more worthwhile for the company than paying workers compensation to employees. This will also boost the company’s reputation, as they will be known for caring for their