Denying RSI Injures All of Society

Re “RSI Exists. Does Not. Does Too . . . ,” Commentary, Aug. 15: Is repetitive strain injury/cumulative trauma injury an excuse used by lazy workers to exchange their financial security for a life of luxury on workers’ comp--less than minimum wage?

Studies indicate that RSI is far more likely to strike the conscientious worker than the “C student.” If Labor Secretary Elaine Chao wants reality-based findings, she should commission a study on the time period between when a worker is diagnosed with RSI and when he or she becomes too disabled to work. The members of our L.A. RSI support group continued to work despite RSI until our musculoskeletal systems gave out.

Each year 600,000 new workers are maimed by RSI. That number will rise astronomically as increasing numbers of computer-raised children enter the work force. My injury alone will cost society $900,000 in lost tax revenue. Taxpayers must compensate for billions a year in future taxes. The administration injures all citizens when it turns a blind eye to RSI.

Dustin Mackie

Aliso Viejo