When you work as a butcher or grocery store worker in Oklahoma, you face a heightened chance of developing carpal tunnel syndrome due to the repetitive nature of your job. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders affecting American workers. It is also among the most expensive for their employers.
According to Occupational Health & Safety, carpal tunnel syndrome often results in considerable time off work. Statistics show that you miss an average of 27 days of work time due to complications associated with carpal tunnel. You also run a high risk of abandoning your position entirely due to your condition. Research shows that 20% of those who develop work-related carpal tunnel end up leaving their jobs within 18 months.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
Often, carpal tunnel develops over time, so you may not recognize it immediately when it starts to affect you. Tingling in your extremities and “pins and needles” sensations are common signs of it, though. Many who have it say it feels like having their feet or hands fall asleep. Many who develop the condition also experience burning, itching and numbness in impacted areas.
Risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome
As a butcher or grocery store worker, performing high-force, highly repetitive movements raises your chances of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Such movements are so common in your work environment that those in your field are among those who report the highest prevalence of work-related carpal tunnel in the American working population. Others with high incidence rates include grinders, platers and frozen-food factory workers.
