Going to work can feel monotonous for many California workers. While it is a routine and a major part of your life, it is not often the same tasks and activities each day in the work environment. However, for some workers, doing the same task throughout the workday is part of the job. Because of this, these workers carry out the same motions day after day, resulting in a greater risk for repetitive motion injuries.
What are repetitive motion injuries?
As referred to as cumulative trauma injuries, repetitive motion injuries result when there is an overuse of or repetitive strain placed on certain muscles, tendons or bones. As a result, the individual suffers pain in the area or an injury that requires treatment.
Based on current data from a recent survey, roughly 20 percent of workplace injuries are listed as repetitive motion injuries. The most common injuries in this category include bursitis, which is the swelling around the joints of the shoulders, elbows, knees or feet, carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by the compression of the median nerve of the palm, causing numbness, tingling and weakness of the hand and arm, and tendinitis, which is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon.
Seeking workers’ compensation
In California, workers’ compensation is available for workers that have suffered repetitive motion injuries. In order to obtain this benefit, a worker needs to prove that the injury suffered is work-related. In other words, it must have been caused by your work duties or the conditions of the work environment.
In cases where a repetitive motion injury occurred at another job, it is still possible to obtain workers’ compensation at your new job. Although it may be considered a preexisting condition, if workplace duties or the work environment aggravated the condition, workers’ compensation may be available.
While repetitive motion injuries are commonly covered by workers’ comp, it is important to ensure that they are eligible for this benefit. Taking this step can help ensure you take timely action to protect your legal rights and interests in the workplace.
