Repetitive Motion Workers Comp Injuries and How to Avoid Them

Repetitive Motion Workers Comp Injuries and How to Avoid Them

Whenever you go to work, you have to face the fact that you or your employees could get hurt on the job (no matter what your occupations). At this time, injured parties will often qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, provided by the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. 

Though some occupational injuries are caused by sudden events, others might actually develop over time. These are known as repetitive motion injuries, and they can cause as much harm as any accident or disaster. Keep reading to learn more about repetitive motion injuries, and how to prevent them. 

What Are Repetitive Injuries in the Workplace? 

Most people do a lot of the same things at work each day. Over time, this will begin to affect the body, sometimes in very negative ways. Generally, repetitive motion injuries occur when the muscles, tendons, and other body parts suffer significant damage as a result of performing the same action many times. Indeed, almost any part of the body is at risk of a repetitive motion injury. 

Some common examples of repetitive motion injuries include: 

Carpal tunnel syndrome 

Lower back pain 

Rotator cuff syndrome 

Trigger finger syndrome 

Tendonitis 

Bursitis 

It’s important to recognize that almost any employee can suffer these injuries, regardless of their job function. Still, some occupations pose higher injury risks than others. Common sufferers of repetitive motion injury victims include: 

Line workers 

Deliverymen 

Janitors 

Health care workers 

Stock clerks 

Indicators of repetitive motion injuries might include tingling, pain, tenderness, or numbness in affected areas, to name a few. More severe ramifications might also result. 

To keep these injury risks as contained as possible, it’s important to identify where they exist. Only at this point is it possible to work to minimize these hazards as best you can. 

Preventing Repetitive Motion Injuries 

While it’s very hard to prevent repetitive motion injuries altogether, you still have the chance to minimize the liability through several practical steps: 

Monitor employees as they work, and if they seem to be straining, this indicates they are likely at risk of an injury. 

Ensure employees take breaks from repetitive tasks. Just turning away for a few minutes each hour can help minimize the risk of putting too much strain on themselves. 

Don’t limit employees to only doing a single task. You want them to engage in various tasks. This can help to reduce the risk that they are performing the same task time and time again. 

Educating your employees about the best practices for avoiding injury is also important. It can help you teach them to know exactly what to do to keep themselves safe. Yes, workers’ comp insurance will be there to help them if they do get hurt, but you don’t want this to be a significant risk in the first place.