Did you know repetitive stress injuries affect almost 1.8 million employees each year? Individuals who sustain these forms of injuries belong to all kinds of professions and occupations and experience significant discomfort or pain.
Let’s take a closer look at this injury type here:
What Are Repetitive Stress Injuries?
A repetitive stress injury (RSI) is an injury of the musculoskeletal system caused by the gradual buildup of damage. This damage refers to the condition of the tendons, muscles, and nerves that alter because of excessive stress exerted on them. RSIs may be caused by activities and repetitive motions such as:
- Typing
- Using a computer
- Working at a front desk/reception
- Grasping tools and operating machinery
- Doing work that requires the body to contort at odd angles
How to Prevent Repetitive Stress Injuries
As common as they may be, repetitive stress injuries can be easily prevented. Here’s what you should do to avoid sustaining an injury of this kind:
Take breaks regularly: You’re doing yourself no favors by staying glued to the computer screen all day or doing the same task over and over during your shift. While it may be unavoidable to completely get out of the said task, you can keep yourself from performing repetitive motions by taking frequent breaks. Take out some time every 30 minutes (or longer) to rest your body to prevent the likeliness of getting injured.
Stretch more often: This can be done even while you’re performing the task in question. As you make repetitive motions, the muscles being used for these tend to stiffen up and get sore. This makes them more vulnerable to injuries. Make it a habit to stretch, roll, and bend the muscles of your limbs, neck, shoulders, and hips to prevent this from happening.
Use the right equipment: Work ergonomics go a long way in preventing (or causing) repetitive stress injuries. If you use inadequate equipment while performing these tasks, then you’re putting yourself at risk. Make sure that you’re using proper preventative equipment and gear to avoid getting injured. This will help minimize the stress being exerted on your muscles.
What to Do if You Sustain a Repetitive Stress Injury at Work
Many people don’t know this, but sustaining an injury at work that’s caused by no fault of your own (for instance, an RSI) can make you eligible for filing a personal injury claim. If you sustain a repetitive stress injury at your workplace because of the nature of your work, you should contact a personal injury attorney immediately.
Lisa Douglas is a licensed personal injury attorney who can help you file an injury claim in Arkansas as well as Texas. She is a licensed and registered nurse/attorney
Call The Law Offices of Lisa Douglas today for more details!
