Occupational health injuries: a brief review of three disorders.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, NIHL, and work-related hernias are preventable occupational injuries that result in decreased productivity because of lost workdays. The treatment paradigm focuses almost exclusively on preventing further loss or injury through employee education. There is a dearth of studies related to NIHL and hernias. These areas should provide a fertile ground for nurse researchers who are interested in improving occupational health outcomes for the nation's work force by being part of an interdisciplinary team that investigates these areas of concern. The key is that prevention is cheaper than treatment for these injuries.