Drop Is Seen in Repetitive Strain Injuries

Work-related repetitive strain injuries and similar muscular disorders decreased in 1999 but still accounted for more than a third of all job injuries, the Labor Department said. The new data were released a week after President Bush signed a repeal of Clinton administration ergonomics rules aimed at reducing such injuries. Congress passed the repeal after a stinging legislative fight waged by business interests and labor unions. About 1.7 million injuries and illnesses at private businesses required time off from work in 1999, down a slight 1.5% from the previous year, the agency said. That was far more modest than the average annual decline of 4% in each of the six years since 1993, during which these injuries and illnesses fell by a total of 24.4%. Of the injuries reported in 1999, 582,300 were caused by repetitive motion, sprains or strains. Median days away from work were highest at 27 days for carpal tunnel syndrome. Overall, injuries caused by repetitive motion, such as grasping tools, scanning groceries or typing, led to a median of 17 days off. Fractures led to a median of 20 days off and amputations 18 days off.