TY  - JOUR
PY  - 1998//
TI  - Claims incidence of work-related disorders of the upper extremities: Washington state, 1987 through 1995
JO  - American journal of public health
A1  - Kalat, J.
A1  - Nelson, Norah
A1  - Welp, E.
A1  - Silverstein, B.
SP  - 1827
EP  - 1833
VL  - 88
IS  - 12
N2  - OBJECTIVES: This study examined the claim incidence rate, cost, and industry distribution of work-related upper extremity disorders in Washington. METHODS: Washington State Fund workers' compensation claims from 1987 to 1995 were abstracted and categorized into general and specific disorders of gradual or sudden onset. RESULTS: Accepted claims included 100,449 for hand/wrist disorders (incidence rate: 98.2/10,000 full-time equivalents; carpal tunnel syndrome rate: 27.3), 30,468 for elbow disorders (incidence rate: 29.7; epicondylitis rate: 11.7), and 55,315 for shoulder disorders (incidence rate: 54.0; rotator cuff syndrome rate: 19.9). Average direct workers' compensation claims costs (medical treatment and indemnity) were $15,790 (median: $6774) for rotator cuff syndrome, $12,794 for carpal tunnel syndrome (median: $4,190), and $6,593 for epicondylitis (median: $534). Construction and food processing were among the industries with the highest rate ratios for all disorders (> 4.0). CONCLUSIONS: Upper extremity disorders represent a large and costly problem in Washington State industry. Industries characterized by manual handling and repetitive work have high rate ratios. The contingent workforce appears to be at high risk.
LA  - 
SN  - 0090-0036
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/
ID  - ref1
ER  -