From the Guidelines
Carpal tunnel syndrome is not generally reportable under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) in its standard form, but it can become reportable if it meets specific criteria as a work-related upper limb disorder, as supported by the most recent guidelines 1. To be reportable under RIDDOR, carpal tunnel syndrome must be diagnosed by a doctor and clearly linked to work activities that involve regular or frequent exposure to specific risk factors such as repetitive wrist movements, forceful hand movements, or vibration. The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is typically made through clinical evaluation combined with electrophysiologic studies, and further imaging is usually not needed, although wrist US or MRI without contrast may be appropriate in selected circumstances 1. However, a more recent study suggests that US can be highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, and some authors have advocated for its use as the confirmatory test of choice or as a complementary test 1. Additionally, the condition must be severe enough to result in the affected person being unable to carry out their normal work activities for more than seven consecutive days. Employers should still document all cases of work-related carpal tunnel syndrome in their accident book, even if they don't meet the RIDDOR reporting threshold, as part of good occupational health practice and to help identify workplace risk patterns. Key considerations for reporting carpal tunnel syndrome under RIDDOR include:
- A clear link to work-related activities
- Severity of the condition, resulting in more than seven consecutive days of inability to perform normal work activities
- Documentation of all cases in the accident book, regardless of whether they meet the RIDDOR reporting threshold.
From the Research
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and RIDDOR
- Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common medical condition that can be caused by a combination of factors, including work-related activities 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) requires employers to report certain work-related injuries and diseases, including those that are caused or made worse by work 2, 3.
- However, the evidence suggests that carpal tunnel syndrome is often caused by a combination of factors, including genetic, demographic, and lifestyle factors, rather than solely by work-related activities 3, 5.
- In order for carpal tunnel syndrome to be reportable under RIDDOR, it would need to be shown that the condition was caused or made worse by work-related activities, rather than by other factors 2, 4.
Work-Related Factors
- Some studies suggest that work-related factors, such as repetitive, forceful angular hand movements, or vibration, can contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome 4, 5.
- However, other studies suggest that these factors are not the primary cause of carpal tunnel syndrome, and that other factors, such as obesity, diabetes, and smoking, are more significant contributors to the development of the condition 3, 5.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome typically involves a combination of medical assessments and electrophysiological testing 4, 5.
- Treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome include conservative management, such as wrist splinting and physical therapy, as well as surgical intervention 4, 6.
- The evidence suggests that both surgical and conservative interventions can provide treatment benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome, although further studies are needed to determine the long-term outcomes of these treatments 6.