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 .
