One of the most common disabilities that many administrative and clerical workers develop at workplace is carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. This usually results from excessive and/or repetitive typing or other desk jobs that involve repetitive movement. The law recognizes the carpal tunnel syndrome is a disability entitling an employee to a reasonable accommodation, if available, under ADA or FEHA (Fair Employment and Housing Act).
The accommodations can range from medical leave of limited duration, and modified or part time schedule, to having more breaks during the working hours, having ergonomic evaluation of workplace station done by an expert, who will ensure that you sit property and that your desk, special keyboard and chair to minimize the pain associated with carpal tunnel or any other repetitive motion injury, and intermittent medical leave when appropriate.
Some employers assume that the above solutions are not “reasonable” accommodation and they are too expensive. This is hardly ever true. Most businesses can afford all of the above solutions. Ergonomic chair and keyboard don’t cost a whole lot more than other types of chairs and keyboards, and the vast majority of employers subject to ADA and FEHA can afford this kind of equipment.