You may have heard of slips, trips, and falls as some of the most common workplace injuries. But what about repetitive motion injuries, also known as repetitive strain injuries (RSI)?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RSIs account for a significant portion of all workplace injuries and illnesses, and the medical costs to treat these illnesses range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per affected worker.
Repetitive motion injury attorneys at Deaver Law Group say repetitive stress injuries caused by work are viable grounds for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Filing a repetitive motion injury claim can be easy, but it also comes with its own set of challenges depending on the circumstances of your injury. First, it’s difficult to prove that the condition was caused by your job.
In this article, we’ll look at the causes of repetitive motion injuries, the damage they can do to our bodies, and some prevention tips.
Causes of Repetitive Motion Injuries
Repetitive motion injuries occur when you perform the same task repeatedly without allowing your muscles to adequately rest and recover. These injuries often result from long periods of continuous movement, such as typing on a keyboard for hours on end without taking a break or repeatedly lifting heavy objects. Over time, continued tension in specific muscle groups can lead to inflammation, pain, and reduced flexibility.
Poor ergonomics are another common cause of repetitive motion injuries. If your workstation is not properly adjusted to support your body’s natural alignment, you may be putting unnecessary stress on certain muscles or joints. This can exacerbate the effects of repetitive motion and increase the risk of injury.
Failure to allow the body to rest and switch tasks throughout the day may contribute to the development of these injuries. You should perform a variety of exercises and activities to prevent overuse of specific muscle groups and give your body a chance to recover. Taking short breaks and incorporating stretching into your daily routine can help prevent repetitive motion injuries in the workplace.
If you have RSI, you need to notify your employer immediately. In most states, such as North Carolina, workers’ compensation laws have strict guidelines that all employers must follow. Failure to report your injury may result in your claim being denied.
Common symptoms to watch out for
Some of the most common symptoms to watch out for are swelling, numbness, or tingling in muscles and joints. These symptoms can be early warning signs that your body is being overworked, and if ignored, can lead to a more serious condition.
If you feel stiffness or pain in a specific area where you perform repetitive movements, note whether any discomfort persists after resting.
Another common symptom to watch out for is reduced range of motion in the affected area. You find it challenging to move your muscles and joints as freely as before, hindering your daily tasks and work performance. Over time, weakness in muscles involved in repetitive movements may also become apparent. If you start to notice any of these symptoms, address them immediately to prevent further injury and stay healthy.
Impact on workplace productivity
If the signs of a repetitive motion injury are ignored, it can impact productivity in the workplace. These injuries may start out as mild discomfort, but over time, they can escalate into serious conditions that hinder your ability to perform at your best. When you experience pain or discomfort from repetitive motor tasks, your concentration and efficiency can be affected. Tasks that once took you a short time may now require more effort and attention, slowing down your work pace.
As discomfort increases, you may find that you need more breaks to relieve pain, further disrupting your workflow through missed deadlines, reduced work quality, and increased absenteeism. Untreated repetitive motion injuries can also lead to long-term disabilities that may require time off to recover, impacting your productivity and the overall efficiency of your workplace.
Prevention and relief strategies
To prevent and mitigate repetitive motion injuries in the workplace, implement ergonomic practices and take regular breaks to rest muscles and joints. Ergonomics focuses on designing workspaces and tools that fit the individual and reduce stress on the body. Adjust your workstation to maintain proper posture and place chairs, tables, and computers in the correct locations. Use ergonomic tools, such as wrist rests and adjustable chairs, to support your body while working.
In addition to ergonomic practices, taking regular breaks can prevent repetitive motion injuries. Take short breaks every hour to stretch and relax your muscles. Perform simple movements like rolling your neck, shrugging your shoulders, and extending your wrists to reduce tension and increase blood flow. These breaks allow your muscles and joints to recover from continued use, reducing the risk of injury.
The Importance of Ergonomics and Training
Training that uses proper ergonomics and provides correct posture and workspace setup can reduce the risk of repetitive motion injuries in the workplace. Ergonomics focuses on designing a workspace that is suitable for employees and aims to prevent stress and discomfort.
Setting up your workstation according to ergonomic principles, with the chair at the right height, the computer screen at eye level, and the keyboard and mouse within easy reach, can greatly reduce the possibility of repetitive motion injuries. Training employees how to maintain proper posture while working and encouraging regular breaks to move and stretch can help prevent muscle and joint strains.
Proper ergonomics and training not only reduce the risk of injury, but also increase overall comfort and productivity in the workplace. Investing time and resources to implement ergonomic practices and provide training demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being and safety, which benefits both the employee and the organization.
in conclusion
Everyone must be aware of the risk of repetitive motion injuries in the workplace.
Understanding their causes and symptoms, as well as implementing prevention strategies and ergonomic practices, can help you protect yourself and your co-workers from these common injuries.
Promote a safe and healthy work environment that minimizes impact on productivity and ensures the long-term well-being of all employees.
