Risk assessment in electronic assembly workers: carpal tunnel syndrome

Symptoms that develop in workers after repeated mechanical injury may be overlooked until the disability affects their productivity and safety. Modifications in the design of hand-operated tools or adaptations in production ergonomics may prevent further damage and permit affected workers to recover while avoiding the development of repetitive cumulative trauma in workers who are new to the job task. This article describes the results of an on-site survey, a biomechanical analysis, and a special neurologic assessment in an electronic assembly plant and provides a structured approach to worker surveillance and intervention to reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome caused by repetitive motions.