Repetitive Stress Injuries: Industries Most at Risk

If you have developed an RSI from a workplace task, you may be entitled to compensation and may wish to discuss your case with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney from Silverman, McDonald & Friedman. We represent clients in and around Wilmington, Newark, and Seaford.

Historically, an employer had no prohibition from asking employees to perform dangerous or even deadly tasks, if they were so willing. With the advancements in labor laws around the world, and particularly in the US, employers are now expected and legally bound not to require their employees to do tasks that could realistically result in injury. On the surface, this is an easy mandate: do not ask your employees to do high-risk tasks or work in hazardous environments. What about injuries that develop slowly over time, without glaring indicators—like repetitive stress injuries (RSI)? Which fields or jobs in particular have the highest chance of employees suffering from RSI?

Common RSI

The most common RSI people are familiar with is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), brought on by improperly supported wrist tendons, often occurring in office workers. But carpal tunnel is not the most common repetitive stress injury overall: it is just the most well known. More common RSI are tendonitis, myofascial damage, tenosynovitis, and cervical radiculopathy, all stemming from repeated actions and a lack of support to delicate nerves, muscles and tendons.

High risk repetitive stress injury careers

Any job that involves an employee basically maintaining the same position for long periods of time, while simultaneously performing a repeated action of an extremity or limb, predisposes that employee to an RSI. Imagine how many times per day a grocery store clerk pulls an item across the scanner. Even though each item may be lightweight, the fixed body position and constant extension of the arm can lead to RSI. Other common RSI-prone careers include:

• Computer and office work
• Tasks on assembly lines
• Carpentry
• Plumbing
• Construction
• Electrical work
• Butchering work
• Writing or typing
• Animal husbandry, including milking
• Delivery driving
• Stocking or packing
• Physical therapy or massage
• Painting or playing an instrument

It is not hard to instantly picture how each of these career fields can predispose the worker to an RSI. There are always ways to support the body in any task, to take frequent breaks, employ better ergonomics, comply with OSHA guidelines, and seek medical help at the first symptom to reduce the likelihood of an RSI developing or progressing to a serious level. Employers should undertake these actions; it is not the sole purview of employees to protect their own well being, but a cooperative endeavor. Employers can ensure that workers are educated about how to take preventative action against an RSI, similar to the way most companies are required to teach their employees proper lifting techniques.

Our experienced Delaware workers’ compensation lawyers at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman are here to fight for you if you have developed an RSI on the job. Contact us by calling 302-888-2900 or filling out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney in Wilmington, Newark or Seaford today.