A recently published six year longitudinal study reveals a high prevalence of specific and non-specific upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among North American automobile manufacturing workers. Rotator cuff tendinitis and de Quervain's disease were the most common specific conditions. Twenty-five percent of non-specific conditions progressed to a specific diagnosis at one year follow-ups.

In Britain, slips, trips and falls are the most common cause of injuries at work. The country's efforts to cut the numbers could hold lessons for United States legislators who are working to reintroduce the ergonomics standard.

The faltering economy, aging workforce, and uncertainties of Social Security/Medicare entitlements are headline issues. The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine says ergonomic programs are part of the solution to this triple threat.

The findings of a recent award-winning study,