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# JAN’S ACCOMMODATION FACT SHEET SERIES

**Job Accommodations for People with**

**Cumulative Trauma Disorders**

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) are disorders that are caused, precipitated, or aggravated by repeated exertions or movements of the body. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most well known CTD. Most common parts of the body affected by CTDs are the wrists, hands, shoulders, back, neck, and eyes.  CTDs are groups of disorders with similar characteristics and may be referred to as: repetitive trauma disorders, repetitive strain injuries, overuse syndromes, and musculoskeletal disorders. CTDs account for more than 50 percent of all occupational illnesses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the most common repetitive task associated with CTDs is placing, grasping, or moving objects other than tools (e.g., scanning groceries). Other work activities, such as typing or key entry, and repetitive use of tools also produce large numbers of CTDs. 

The following is a quick overview of some of the job accommodations that might be useful for people with CTDs. For a more in depth discussion, access JAN's publications at http://askjan.org/media/atoz.htm.  To discuss an accommodation situation with a consultant, contact JAN directly.

# Fatigue/Weakness:

· Reduce or eliminate physical exertion and workplace stress

· Schedule periodic rest breaks away from the workstation

· Allow a flexible work schedule and flexible use of leave time

**Fine Motor Impairment:**

· Implement ergonomic workstation design, e.g., copy holder, monitor riser, articulating keyboard tray, task lighting, telephone headset, footrest, chair, arm supports, etc.

· Provide alternative computer access, e.g., speech recognition and foot mouse. 

· Provide alternative telephone access

· Provide writing and grip aids and/or a note taker

· Provide a page turner and/or book holder

· Provide ergonomic tools, tool balancers, tool wraps, and anti-fatigue matting

**Gross Motor Impairment:**

· Modify the work-site to make it accessible, e.g., automatic door openers 

· Provide parking close to the work-site 

· Modify the workstation to make it accessible, e.g., place materials and equipment  within reach range  and move workstation close to other work areas

· Provide carts and lifting devices

# Temperature Sensitivity:

· Modify work-site temperature

· Modify dress code 

· Use fan/air-conditioner or heater at the workstation

· Allow flexible scheduling and flexible use of leave time

· Allow work from home during extremely hot or cold weather 

· Maintain the ventilation system 

# · Redirect air-conditioning and heating vents 

· Provide an office with separate temperature control

**Administrative Modifications:**

· Implement ergonomics training, e.g., proper lifting techniques; posture; task variation; chair, keyboard, mouse, monitor, and tool working height.  For additional information on ergonomics, see JAN’s “Ergonomics in the Workplace: A Resource Guide” at http://askjan.org/media/ergo.html.

**Resources Specifically for People with Cumulative Trauma Disorders**

**Association for Repetitive Motion Syndromes (ARMS)**

PO Box 471973 

Aurora, CO 80047-1973 

Direct: (303) 369-0803

arms@lightspeed.net

http://www.certifiedpst.com/arms 

**American National Standards Institute (ANSI)**

25 West 43rd Street, 4th Floor

New York, NY 10036

Direct: (212)642-4900

Fax: (212)398-0023 

http://web.ansi.org 

**National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)**

4676 Columbia Parkway 

Cincinnati, OH 45226

Toll Free: (800)35-NIOSH

Direct: (513)533-8328

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html 

**Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)**

U.S. Department of Labor 

Public Affairs Office - Room: 3647 

200 Constitution Avenue

Washington, DC 20210 

Toll Free: (800)321-OSHA (6742)

http://www.osha.gov 

Updated 3/23/10.

This document was developed by the Job Accommodation Network, funded by a contract agreement from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (DOL079RP20426). The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Labor. Nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Fact Sheet Series

Job Accommodations for People with Cumulative Trauma Disorders