Because Carpal Tunnel Syndrome develops gradually, the disabling effects
can be prevented or at the very least, be substantially diminished by
early detection and treatment. For
example, employers of computer operators can substantially reduce the
incidence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by implementing ergonomic and health
and wellness programs. Studies have shown that by ergonomically
modifying workstations costing as little as $100 to $300 per employee,
employers can reduce the incidence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other
Repetitive Stress Injuries by as much as 70%.
Presently, the costs to businesses that employ workers at high risk to
develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other Repetitive Stress Injuries is
staggering. It is estimated that RSI "costs employers over $80 billion
yearly." According to the National
Council of Compensation Insurance, the average compensation of a CTS
victim is $33,000.00.
In
addition to the obvious, substantial monetary considerations, there are
numerous "indirect" costs to employers:
-
low employee
morale
-
lost time
from work
-
retraining
expenses
-
decreased
productivity
-
increased
health costs
While recognizing the long-term cost effectiveness of
preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, many employers have been slow to
implement ergonomic and early detection and treatment programs.
Due to the current "wave" of cost reducing and
downsizing "mania," few corporate managers have the "courage" to suggest
new programs (ergonomics) with the expectation that they will produce
increased profits in the long term.
Unfortunately, many employers have
been reluctant to implement ergonomic programs, since they have been,
for so long, effectively "handling" the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome problem
by simply "disposing of workers" who develop Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome and replacing them with younger, healthier workers.
