You might ask why the jewelry manufacturing industry should be interested in carpal tunnel syndrome or other cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs). Since 1987, CTDs have been the number one cause of occupational illness, and workers' compensation claims for these disorders have increased 300%. With the estimated total cost of a single surgical case of carpal tunnel syndrome averaging $20,000, perhaps the question should be, "How can the jewelry manufacturing industry afford not to be interested in these disorders?" This paper's purpose is to give the reader an understanding of what these disorders are, how they develop, reasons for their dramatic increase, and what industries and occupations are at high risk. Finally, I will outline a preventive strategy composed of engineering, administrative, and medical management controls.

Author: Thomas Hales