Claims incidence of work-related disorders of the upper extremities: Washington state, 1987 through 1995.

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: 4190), and 6593 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.