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Job Performance Failure and Occupational Carpal Tunnel Claims

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Abstract

Using a sample of one job type from one firm (to hold job tasks and sick leave/disability policy constant), we estimate the effect of demographic variables, job performance warnings, and workers' compensation benefits on the propensity to file a carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) loss work-time claim. We find that disciplinary notices increase the employees' propensity to file a CTS claim. State maximum workers' compensation benefits are also positively related to CTS claim frequency, however, the relationship is not statistically significant. CTS claimants respond differently than other sprain/strain claimants to benefits and to gender. In particularly, women have relatively more CTS claims, while men have relatively more other sprain/strain claims in our sample. The estimates here underscore the importance of psychosocial factors in the filing of occupational CTS and sprain injuries claims.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Economics, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, 84602

    Richard J. Butler

  2. Industrial Relations Center, Carlson School of Management, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455

    Hui Liao

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  1. Richard J. Butler
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  2. Hui Liao
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Correspondence to Richard J. Butler.

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Butler, R.J., Liao, H. Job Performance Failure and Occupational Carpal Tunnel Claims. J Occup Rehabil 12, 1–12 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1013547402224

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