NATIONAL STATISTICS - REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURIES

• The U.S. Department of Labor has concluded that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the "chief occupational hazard of the 90's"- disabling workers in epidemic proportions.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is also the #1 reported medical problem, accounting for about 50% of all work-related injuries.
• 849,000 new cases of carpal tunnel syndrome occurred in 1994. National Center for Health Statistics.
• According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) , repetitive strain injuries are the nation's most common and costly occupational health problem, affecting hundreds of thousands of American workers, and costing more than $20 billion a year in workers compensation.
• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , nearly two-thirds of all occupational illnesses reported, were caused by exposure to repeated trauma to workers upper body (the wrist, elbow or shoulder). One common example of such an injury is carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Up to 36% of all carpal tunnel patients require unlimited medical treatment.