Controlling Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a compression and damage of the median nerve where it passes through the “tunnel” from the wrist to the hand. It requires only a small amount of pressure or deviation in the wrist to cause harmful compression of the median nerve. Think of it as a garden hose. Any pressure or bending will restrict the flow. The compression of the nerve is usually caused by swelling in the surrounding tissue resulting in pain, reduced hand strength, and other symptoms. Through early and proper diagnosis, timely treatment, and proper job design, this condition can be controlled.

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health reports that the average cost for non-surgical treatment of carpal tunnel is $3,500, and for a surgically treated case the cost can go as high as $30,000. The average number of lost workdays is 30. If the worker is unable to return to work, rehabilitation can increase the costs to $100,000. These are insured or direct costs. The additional uninsured or indirect costs of losing a trained employee--training a replacement, loss of production/quality, overtime, etc.--can be four to five times the insured costs.

A thorough understanding of the causes, symptoms and treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, combined with proper job design and training, can help mitigate these costs to your company. For more detailed information on the subject, call the program administrator for GlassInsure, NGA’s sponsored insurance program, at 800/640-7601, and ask for the loss control guide, “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.”