Patterns and predictors of employer risk-reduction activities (ERRAs) in response to a work-related upper extremity cumulative trauma disorder (UECTD): reports from workers' compensation claimants.

BACKGROUND: Despite being preventable, work-related upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders (UECTDs) remain problematic. This study is unique in its focus on predictors of employer risk-reduction activities (ERRAs) in response to a UECTD case. METHODS: Workers' compensation claimants (N = 537) completed a telephone survey about employer risk-reduction activities, workplace characteristics, safety programs, and physician recommendations for job modifications. RESULTS: Only 52% of respondents reported employer actions to investigate or reduce UECTD risk. Engineering and pace changes were prominent for keyboard workers and transfer to another job for manufacturing workers. Safety programs and physician recommendations increased the likelihood of risk-reduction activities. CONCLUSIONS: An opportunity to intervene post-injury to reduce risks for the injured worker and prevent new UECTD cases is being missed. Physician recommendations are strongly associated with specific ERRAs thought to be most effective. Educating employers and physicians about ergonomics could result in prevention of UECTDs.

The impact of occupational injury on injured worker and family: outcomes of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders in Maryland workers.

BACKGROUND: Surveys have identified a dramatically rising incidence of work-related upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders (UECTDs). Outcome studies have addressed time lost from work and cost of compensation; omitting other significant consequences. We assess health, functional and family outcomes. METHODS: We identified 537 Workers' Compensation UECTD claimants. A computer-assisted telephone questionnaire was used to elicit symptom prevalence, functional impairment, depressive symptoms (CES-D scale), employment status. RESULTS: One to 4 years post-claim, respondents reported persistent symptoms severe enough to interfere with work (53%), home/recreation activities (64%) and sleep (44%). Only 64% of responses to the activities of daily living scale items indicated "normal" function. Job loss was reported by 38% of respondents, and depressive symptoms by 31%. CONCLUSIONS: Work-related UECTDs result in persisting symptoms and difficulty in performing simple activities of daily living, impacting home life even more than work. Job loss, symptoms of depression, and family disruption were common.