A total of 574 active workers from six different industrial sites were categorised into four force repetitive exposure groups. Workers in low force-low repetitive jobs served as an internal comparison population for the three other groups. Videotapes and surface electromyography were used to estimate hand force and repetitiveness. The presence of cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) was determined by structured interview and standardised non-invasive physical examination. Only workers who had been working on the study jobs for at least one year at the time of evaluation were eligible for selection. Categorisation of jobs and identification of CTDs were carried out independently by investigators who were appropriately blinded to exposure and outcome. The analysis of associations between CTDs and exposure categories were performed using Mantel-Haenszel plant adjusted odds ratios and unconditional multiple logistic regression. Significant positive associations were observed between hand wrist CTDs and high force-high repetitive jobs. These associations were independent of age, sex, years on the specific job, and plant.

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., "Risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome and median neuropathy in a working population". Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 50, 12, 1355-1364. 2008. Methods: A cross-sectional assessment of 1108 workers from 8 employers and 3 unions completed nerve conduction testing, physical exam, and questionnaires. CTS was defined by median neuropathy and associated symptoms.Results: Eighteen workers had CTS and 131 had evidence of median neuropathy. CTS was highest among construction workers (3.0%) compared to other subjects (<1%). Logistic regression models for median neuropathy both personal and work-related risk factors. Workrelated exposures were estimated by two methods: self-report and job-title based ratings.Conclusions: Both work and personal factors mediated median nerve impairment. Construction workers are at an increased risk of CTS so awareness should be raised and interventions shouldspecifically target this risk group.