Tom, very likely your mechanic is trying to pull off a scam.

You are correct in believing that carpal tunnel syndrome is a
consequence of constantly repeated hand actions, not something commonly
associated with the work functions performed by a mechanic. It it more
typically a complicaton of the very repeated operations performed by
barbers, beauticians, pianists, some typists, and others whose physical
efforts are largely limited to the muscles and motions of the hand and
fingers.

I had a close friend with carpal tunnel syndrome, a beauty shop owner
who could not afford a great deal of lost work time. Simple surgery
corrected the problem in less than a month.

This link may provide helpful info:

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/c...pal_tunnel.htm

Good luck and I suggest you lawer up, because more than likely you have
an employee who believes he can get away with a scam.

Harry C.