What’s the first injury you think of that can appear in the workplace? Most people would name falls, slips, and trips. However, repetitive strain injury (RSI) is also very common, even though most workers overlook it. This injury is also called a Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD), a broad term that encompasses injuries to ligaments, nerves, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues.
Unfortunately, people can suffer these injuries in workplaces worldwide, as many employees work behind screens at desks, sit in chairs all day, and perform repetitive tasks. This injury can occur even after prolonged computer typing, which is why it is so common.
Even though this injury might seem minor, it can have significant symptoms and affect employees’ quality of life and performance. This is why it is essential to learn more about injury to understand how it appears and what can be done for those who have already become victims of this silent injury. This is exactly what we will cover in this article, so keep reading to learn more.
Recognizing the symptoms of repetitive strain injuries
The symptoms of repetitive strain injuries vary from person to person, but common symptoms depend on the stage at which the injury begins to affect an individual. For example, in the early stage, repetitive strain injury may cause mild symptoms, and employees may feel the affected limbs tired or aching. During this step, the injury can be bearable, which is why it doesn’t really affect employees’ performance.
However, if it is not treated at this step, it can progress to the intermediate stage. During this period, they will feel even greater fatigue and aching in the limbs, but only when working on a repetitive task. Unfortunately, in the last stage, this injury is accompanied by fatigue and weakness and persists even when the employee is resting. This will impact both their work capacity and their duties outside work.
Common symptoms of repetitive strain injuries are:
- Pain
- Muscle tightness
- Joint stiffness
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Redness in the affected area
- Needles sensation
If you are dealing with a repetitive strain injury, then the first step is to notify the employer. After this, seek medical attention and specify that the injury is work-related. This will serve as evidence in the claim, as the doctor will need to file a medical report. Then, it is time to file a repetitive strain injury workplace claim, where you will offer information about the injury and the employment. Keep in mind that for the file to be relevant, it must be sent within the first two years since the work-related injury occurred.
What are the professions where repetitive strain injuries are prevalent?
Office workers
Office workers spend most of their time at their desks, using computers and other necessary equipment. This is why they have a higher chance of dealing with repetitive strain injury. The chances of this injury are higher if the employee is performing the same repetitive activity and the employer doesn’t provide proper conditions to prevent it. An office with poor ergonomic setups is more likely to experience this type of injury.
Tasks that can lead to this injury include repetitive mouse use, insufficient breaks, constant typing, and inadequate chair and desk ergonomics. If workplaces provide the proper conditions for employees, such as ergonomic workstations, appropriate keyboards, and offer frequent breaks, many workplaces worldwide will actually prevent these injuries.
Manufacturing workers
Manufacturing workers are also at risk of strain injury. This occurs because they need to perform repetitive tasks. And because they need to be productive, they must do so quickly and with high precision. Unfortunately, they also have to work with vibrating machinery, which can increase the risk of this injury even further. Employers in the manufacturing sector can reduce the likelihood that their employees will encounter these scenarios by providing ergonomic tools, rotating tasks, and making workstation adjustments.
Healthcare employees
Professionals in healthcare, such as doctors and nurses, can also experience repetitive strain injuries from activities like administering injections, lifting ageing patients, and performing repetitive medical tests. The most common injuries of this type are back problems, tendinitis, and musculoskeletal conditions. Businesses and institutions can reduce the likelihood that their employees will encounter these scenarios by providing ergonomic tools and medical instruments to healthcare workers. In addition, it is essential to provide them with lift-assist devices when they need to move patients.
Artists
Artists, like performers and musicians, are also susceptible to repetitive strain injuries because they perform repetitive tasks over prolonged periods. In their case, this injury can be even worse, as it can lead to focal dystonia, which causes involuntary muscle contractions. This injury can be prevented by having regular breaks, stretching, using posture techniques, and using only ergonomic instruments.
The needs of ergonomics in the workplace
Ergonomic desks and chairs are significant in workplaces, and they improve how people perform their work-related duties. Comfortable, ergonomic equipment, chairs, and desks can reduce the likelihood of accidents and prevent discomfort. Additionally, they will improve employee efficiency, enabling employees to perform much better.
Plus, ergonomic features of tools can actually reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries, which can affect employees’ lives.
Conclusion
Even though a strain injury may seem minor, it is common in the workplace and can affect workers’ performance. This is why employers must provide their employees with the proper working conditions and consider ergonomics, so that they won’t harm their workers’ health.
In addition, workers must be aware of their rights and seek compensation. If the symptoms are not addressed at the right time, these injuries can have a long-lasting impact on a person, as they can result in chronic pain, and in more severe cases, they can lead to long-term disability.
