Repetitive motion injuries are common workplace injuries. People usually pass this as simple pain and feeling of discomfort. But if your job requires you to perform the same motion or posture repeatedly over an extended period, check again. These injuries can cause damage to your muscles, tendons, and nerves. And they can also lead to more severe health problems over time.
Some of the potential long-term consequences of repetitive motion injuries include:
- Chronic pain: You may experience chronic pain long after the initial injury, affecting not only your ability to perform your job duties but the quality of life as a whole.
- Nerve damage: If not treated early, repetitive motion injuries can cause nerve damage, numbness, tingling, and weakness. It may even lead to permanent disability in severe cases.
- Loss of mobility: This injury may cause stiffness and limited range of motion, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
- Psychological impact: You may also feel depression, anxiety and stress if you feel constant pain and cannot perform well at work.
These are just examples, but here you can see how taking this type of injury for granted can affect how you do your job or how you live your life.
Prevention
Taking repetitive motion injuries seriously is the best way to prevent them from worsening. Early intervention can help avoid further damage and increase the likelihood of a full recovery. If you feel any pain or discomfort, it’s better to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Preventing repetitive motion injuries requires a multi-faceted approach, including ergonomic evaluations, job rotation and employee education on proper body mechanics and posture. Employers can also provide ergonomic equipment, such as adjustable chairs and keyboard trays, to help reduce the risk of injury.
Does workers’ compensation cover it?
You may also be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if you sustain this injury while at work. You may file a report with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). They will review the claim and determine if you are eligible. Note that you must demonstrate that the injury is work-related and caused by the repetitive motion required by your job.
If your claim is approved, you may be entitled to medical treatment, wage replacement and other benefits.
Repetitive motion injuries are a serious workplace health concern that can lead to significant long-term consequences. Employees and employers must take proactive measures to prevent these injuries and seek medical attention if they occur and get proper compensation if needed.