What are we going to do with the exploding number of addicts who cannot put down their BlackBerries? Beyond their rude behaviorhow many of you have tried having a dinner conversation with someone while they keep peeking furtively into their lap to catch the latest incoming message?there is a repetitive stress factor at work here that could impact workers' comp insurers and risk managers.

Kids are getting hooked at an early age, with everyone text messaging their way through class or while walking in the street. (The only behavior more annoying than nearly being run over by someone with their head down while reading their e-mail is passing people who appear to be talking to themselvesloudlyuntil you spot their Bluetooth earpiece, making them look as if theyve been assimilated by the Borg of Star Trek!)

Sooner or later, workers comp claims are bound to hit. There are even names for the various conditions brought on by excessive usesuch as BlackBerry Thumb or, even catchier, Trigger Finger (referring to difficulty in flexing an overtaxed digit, prompted by inflammation and swelling of the tendons). The symptoms include pain, loss of flexibility and grip weakness. The treatment can run from simple rest to splints, drugs and even surgery in the worst cases.