Repetitive Motion Injuries Still High Priority Among Employers, Labor Organizations Despite Legislative Opposition of Workplace Ergonomic Rules.

Business Editors

NORWALK, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 7, 2001

Effective and Affordable Options for Employers Who

Want Take Work-Related Injuries Into Their Own Hands

In the face of Congressional misgivings on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) workplace ergonomics regulations, repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome are still a risk factor for employers and employees alike.

Fortunately, there are simple and inexpensive measures businesses can take to prevent and treat them.

"People who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome -- today's number one job-related injury -- are not as productive as they could be on the job because the pain and tingling they experience interferes with simple tasks like typing or holding a phone," says Zev M. Cohen, M.D., medical director of the Carpal Tunnel Treatment Center in New City, New York. "An employer who takes steps to ensure that the employee is pain-free and has a safe, comfortable work environment will ultimately see an impact on the bottom line."

Since the OSHA guidelines were introduced by the Clinton administration, some businesses have been proactive in addressing carpal tunnel syndrome in the workplace. Several companies, and organized labor groups like the American Federation of Musicians, have taken part in a carpal tunnel syndrome program initiated by Rxtra Inc., a Norwalk, Conn.-based medical products company.

Rxtra recently partnered with organizations representing a wide array of industries whose workers experience repetitive motion activities on the job to provide 15,000 at-risk workers with educational materials on carpal tunnel syndrome as well as samples of Wristreleve(TM), a compact, adjustable wrist band developed to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. The device can be worn while working without restricting movement or interfering with job-related tasks. In light of the decision to overturn the OSHA ergonomics rules, Rxtra is offering to prepare a variety of partnerships to other companies in need.

Companies without a formal ergonomics program can follow simple precautions to make the work environment safer for employees. Dr. Cohen recommends the following tips companies of any size can use to reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome among workers:

-- Review each workstation to make sure employees can work with their

hands and wrists in a comfortable position throughout the day

-- Encourage workers to take frequent breaks from repetitive motion activities

-- Have employees rub and shake out their wrists several times a day to
increase circulation

-- Educate employees on repetitive motion injuries and symptoms, the importance
of reporting them and risk factors

-- Make computer keyboard wrist pads and other wrist supports available to
at-risk employees

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 1.8 million workers report work-related musculoskeletal disorders, of which 600,000 cases are serious enough to result in missed work days. The Bureau also reports that workers who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome report a median of 24 lost workdays each year, the highest among major disabling injuries and illnesses.

The Carpal Tunnel Treatment Center is part of the New City, N.Y.-based Healthcheck Medical Care Facility, which was founded more than ten years ago by Zev M. Cohen, M.D.

Norwalk, Conn.-based Rxtra is a leading manufacturer of health-improvement innovations for a variety of patient types. To learn more about Rxtra's carpal tunnel syndrome program, call 1 888 227 9872.

Wristreleve is sold at pharmacies nationwide, including Walgreens, Meijer, Longs Drugs and Eckerd, among others, and distributed by Roanoke, Texas-based Niche Pharmaceuticals. For more information or to order, visit www.wristreleve.com or call 1 800 677 0355.

Personal interview with and b-roll/soundbites from Dr. Cohen available upon request.