Avoiding cumulative trauma disorders in shops and offices

Cumulative trauma disorders have been medically described for about 100 yr and have been related to physical activities for nearly 300 yr. Yet, avoiding these disorders in the shop and office is becoming of urgent concern only now, particularly because of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) investigation and enforcement program. Such disorders occur most often in soft tissues of the body, particularly at tendons and their sheaths. They may irritate or damage nerves and impede blood flow. They are frequent in the hand/wrist/forearm area; for example, in the carpal tunnel and in the shoulder and neck. Although controversy exists, occupational and leisure activities are generally believed to cause or aggravate cumulative trauma disorders. The major activity-related factors are rapid repetitive movements, forceful movements, static muscle loading, inappropriate body postures, vibrations, and cold. Yet, the quantitative thresholds above which cumulative trauma disorders are expected to occur are largely unknown and need to be researched. Furthermore, certain health conditions may make individuals predisposed to cumulative disorders. For most cumulative trauma disorders, physical activities and job procedures can be identified that are related to the occurrence of cumulative trauma disorders. This allows the establishment of generic and specific recommendations for the avoidance of conditions that may lead to cumulative trauma disorders in the workshop or the office.