How Common Are Repetitive Motion Injuries in the Workplace?

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Workers Comp

There are many different kinds of injuries that an employee can experience while on the job. The severity of an injury often depends on the type of industry. In some cases, injuries are apparent and require immediate medical attention. With these types of injuries, it may be easy to prove that the workplace was the direct cause of the accident. However, certain work-related injuries can take weeks or months to present symptoms or fully manifest, making it more difficult for an individual to seek benefits. An example of this type of injury carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a common repetitive motion injury that affects a person’s hands and wrists. Most Illinois companies are required to carry workers’ compensation benefits for their employees in the event of a workplace accident. A skilled attorney can explain your options for seeking benefits by filing a workers’ compensation claim for this type of injury, whether you work in an office, a warehouse, or at a construction site.

Repeated Strain on Body Parts

Some injuries occur immediately upon impact, such as a broken leg or arm after falling from a ladder or scaffolding or being crushed by a machine. Others can gradually appear over an extended period of time. A repetitive motion injury (RMI), also known as a repetitive strain injury (RSI) is one that is caused by using the same body parts over and over again. The damage inflicted can affect an individual’s joints, nerves, tendons, or muscles. Studies from the Pain Relief Institute show that repetitive stress injuries account for up to 75 percent of all workplace injuries in the United States.

A few of the typical activities that can cause these repetitive injuries include:

• Typing or entering data on a keyboard or keypad

• Lifting heavy equipment or products

• Scanning items/using a cash register

• Handling or manipulating tools

• Placing or securing parts on an assembly line

• Shoveling, sweeping, or digging

Although many people may not think they are that serious, repetitive strain injuries can cause significant harm over time. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common RSIs, caused by pressure on the median nerve. Symptoms and signs of it include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands. Bursitis or tendonitis are conditions in which the tissue connecting muscle to bone becomes inflamed, and they can be very painful if not treated properly. Symptoms include inflammation of the knees, elbows, shoulders, and other joints. Back or spinal cord damage may also be caused by repetitive strain, which can lead to slipped or herniated discs, as well as temporary or permanent paralysis if left untreated.

High-Risk Occupations

While occupations that involve a lot of time on the computer are known for RSIs, other high-risk jobs include:

• Healthcare workers

• Custodians

• Office workers

• Grocery and stocking clerks

• Delivery drivers

• Plumbers and pipefitters

• Assembly line workers

• First responders

• Musicians

• Professional athletes

Contact an Orland Park, IL Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Constant or repeated movement of a body part can cause long-term medical complications, regardless of your line of work. If you or your loved one is suffering due to a repetitive motion injury, consult a knowledgeable Illinois workplace injury lawyer as soon as possible. With more than 10 years of legal experience, attorney Khaled Issa understands how important workers’ compensation benefits can be to an injured employee. Call us today at 708-966-2408 to set up a free, confidential consultation.

Sources:

https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/iwcc/about/Pages/insurance.aspx

https://www.healthline.com/health/repetitive-strain-injury