Which of the following workers is most likely to be affected by carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that arises from repetitive motion and sustained awkward positions of the wrists. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the wrist in a narrow passageway known as the carpal tunnel, becomes compressed. Among the options provided, garment workers are particularly susceptible to this condition due to the nature of their work, which often involves repetitive hand movements, such as cutting, sewing, and assembling garments. These repetitive tasks can stress the wrist and lead to inflammation that causes compression of the median nerve.

In contrast, the other jobs listed may involve physical risks and hazards, but they typically do not require the same level of repetitive wrist movement or sustained postures that are characteristic risks for carpal tunnel syndrome. For example, truck drivers have a more static driving posture, tree removal workers engage in strenuous lifting and cutting tasks that mainly impact different muscle groups, and warehouse workers may vary their movements and engage in different tasks that reduce the likelihood of wrist-specific issues. Thus, garment workers stand out as the group most directly linked to the repetitive wrist actions that are a primary cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.