SOAR: Searchable Online Accommodation Resource

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs)

Accommodation Examples

A journalist with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was limited to two hours of typing and writing per day. His employer purchased a digital tape recorder, writing aids, and an alternative keyboard; installed speech recognition software; allowed him to take breaks throughout the day; and provided him with office equipment to rearrange his workstation.
An assembly line worker with bursitis in his knee was limited in his ability to stand. His employer gave him a stand/lean stool, provided him with anti-fatigue matting, and purchased vibration dampening shoe inserts.
A sales clerk with cubital tunnel syndrome lost the ability to move her right hand. The individual needed to use the computer to create reports. Her employer purchased a left-handed keyboard, foot mouse, forearm supports, an articulating keyboard and mouse tray, and an ergonomic chair.
A construction worker with DeQuervain’s disease had severe inflammation of the wrist and forearm after prolonged use of handtools. The employer provided him with lightweight and pneumatic tools; anti-vibration tool wraps and gloves; and tool balancers/positioners for stationary work.
A switch board operator with myofacial pain syndrome (TMJ) was having difficulty using the phone and taking messages. The employer gave her a headset, speech recognition software, an adjustable telephone holder, writing aids, and an angled writing surface.
A truck driver with thoracic outlet syndrome was having difficulty driving for long periods of time and unloading bags at his delivery destination. The employer installed a small crane in the back of the trailer and provided him a lightweight aluminum hand truck to help him unload materials. The employer also provided the employee and a steering wheel spinner knob to eliminate prolonged grasping of the steering wheel and an anti-vibration seat to cut down on fatigue.
A clerical worker who stamped paperwork for several hours a day was limited in pinching and gripping due to carpal tunnel syndrome. The individual was accommodated with adapted stamp handles. Anti-vibration wrap was placed around the stamp handles. In addition, tennis balls were cut and placed over the wrapped handles to eliminate fine motor pinching and gripping.
A maintenance worker with rotator cuff syndrome was having difficulty reaching cleaning areas and moving cleaning supplies. The employer replaced his tools with long-handled, pneumatic, and lightweight tools. The employer also provided him with an electric cart.