ABSTRACT
A small Midwestern manufacturing company employing approximately 83 people faced what could have been a struggle for survival. Their insurance agent had contacted them with bad news. The insurance company handling their workers’ compensation coverage expressed concern over the frequency and severity of injuries that had occurred during the previous two years. Several back injury claims were open over 14 months and in excess of the established reserves. In addition, there were 6 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, four of which required surgery according to the diagnosis and treatment provided by a local family practice physician. Of major concern was the fact that two of these four individuals had gone through surgery for this problem a second time on the same wrist. If the company failed to take effective action, workers’ compensation coverage would be terminated.
