Is Your Desk Job Hurting You? Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Accounts Payable
Many years ago, at the start of my career in Accounts Payable, I remember having an ache in my hands and wrists that I now recognize may have been early signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Back then, everything was paper-based. There was no automation, no scanning — just stacks and stacks of invoices. I was typing in the details for up to 200 invoices a day. The repetitive motion of entering invoice numbers, dates, amounts, and vendor codes, all while flipping through paper and filing documents, took a physical toll. Somehow I was lucky and it never developed into anything serious or permanent.
Recently, I spoke with a friend who works in AP and she mentioned feeling numbness and tingling in her fingers. She’s still dealing with loads of mail, paper statements, and manual filing. It hit me that, even with all the technology we now have, many AP professionals are still exposed to the same repetitive stress risks I experienced early on.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs through the wrist. This pressure can come from repetitive hand and wrist movements, often leading to:
- Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Wrist pain, especially at night
- A weakened grip or tendency to drop objects
It’s incredibly common among office workers — and even more so for people in roles like ours that involve repetitive tasks all day.
Why AP Professionals Are Especially At Risk
While we often focus on accuracy, compliance, and deadlines, we don’t always pay attention to the physical demands of the job. Think about a typical AP day:
- Opening dozens of envelopes
- Sorting and filing statements
- Flipping through long vendor histories or invoice packets
- Keying in payment data for hours on end
Even small, repeated movements can cause strain over time — especially if your workstation isn’t ergonomically set up.
Tips to Reduce Risk and Protect Your Hands
- Take short breaks every hour — Just 2–3 minutes to stretch your fingers, shake out your wrists, or stand up can go a long way.
- Use keyboard shortcuts and templates to reduce keystrokes where possible.
- Invest in ergonomic tools — A supportive mouse, keyboard wrist rest, and a proper chair can make a big difference.
- Digitize what you can — Tools like OCR, automated workflows, and vendor portals can reduce the need for manual data entry.
- Stretch regularly — Simple hand and wrist stretches during lunch or at your desk can help keep nerves and muscles healthy.
What About Legal Rights and Workers’ Comp?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a recognized repetitive strain injury (RSI) and is often covered by workers’ compensation laws.
You Can File for Workers’ Compensation
If your job duties significantly contribute to CTS, you may be entitled to:
- Medical treatment
- Wage replacement if you're unable to work
- Possible compensation for permanent limitations
You don’t have to prove employer negligence — just that your job was a factor. But report symptoms early and follow your company's procedures.
Suing Your Employer? Rarely a Good Idea
In most states, workers’ comp is your only remedy. Trying to sue your employer may:
- Disqualify you from workers’ comp
- Drag you into a lengthy and expensive legal process
- Require substantial proof that your employer was intentionally negligent
Smart Next Steps
- Document symptoms and report them to HR
- Request an ergonomic evaluation or light-duty adjustment
- See a doctor and follow medical guidance
- Consult a workers' comp attorney if your claim is denied or mishandled
Protecting your health and your rights doesn’t require a legal battle — but it does require action.
Final Thoughts
AP professionals are some of the hardest-working, detail-oriented people I know. We often pride ourselves on pushing through discomfort to get the job done. But pain isn't a badge of honor — it's a warning.
Take care of your hands — they’re one of your most important tools. And don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself, both physically and professionally.
Robert Ruhno
Director
Accounts Payable Professionals Group
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