You may assume that you are not at risk for injury at work because you sit at a desk or you do not have a job that requires physical exertion. However, you may be surprised to learn that even the most simple or seemingly benign jobs may have hidden risks that could place your health at risk. Many Kansas workers who have desk jobs and other types of careers that are not physical may suffer from repetitive stress injuries.
Repetitive stress injuries may not seem like a big deal because they are often unseen. You may not be able to see the injury that is causing you pain, but it can actually keep you from meeting the demands of your job. These types of work-related injuries are serious, and if you are suffering from one, you may have grounds to pursue financial support through a workers’ compensation claim.
Are you at risk?
You may not think you are at risk at work for injury, or perhaps you do not realize that the injury you have is actually related to the tasks that you have to do for your job. Repetitive stress injuries often affect things like nerves, tendons, ligaments and other things that you may not see but can certainly feel. In some cases, these injuries can be debilitating. Some of the following things may place you at a higher risk of suffering from this specific type of injury:
- Incorrect posture at a desk
- Repeating tasks over and over on a daily basis, such as typing
- Experiencing muscle fatigue after doing your job
- Having to move in awkward ways in order to do your job
- Overexerting yourself while at work
If you do any of the above, it could mean that your job may be compromising your health. Repetitive stress injuries often come with symptoms that include pain in the joints, difficulty moving, experiencing limited range of motion and tingling in the extremities.
Getting the help you need
If you have a repetitive stress injury as a result of your job, you do not have to suffer alone. It is possible that you have grounds to pursue support through a workers’ compensation claim. This claim with your employer’s insurance can allow you to get what you need to cover your medical expenses, rehabilitation needs and even lost wages if you missed work. The claims process can be tricky to navigate, and you may want to speak to a legal advocate about your case first.