Protecting Yourself From Repetitive Stress Injuries

Like most residents of Redding, you work hard to provide for your family. Whether you love your job or merely tolerate it, you should not have to worry about sustaining a serious injury at work. Still, your employer may require you to perform the sort of repetitive tasks that can cause long-term harm.

When you are at work, you always comply with safety procedures. Even with your best efforts, though, you may develop a repetitive stress injury. To ensure you can continue to work, you may need to exercise your legal right to pursue compensation for injuries sustained on the job. You should know, however, that not all injuries involve broken bones or bloody wounds. 

Identifying Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive stress injuries occur when you routinely move in the same way or similar ways. Over time, muscles, joints, tendons and other body parts become sore, stiff, weak or numb. If you work at a computer, on an assembly line or in a warehouse, you may be at increased risk for developing a repetitive stress injury. 

Preventing Injuries From Repetitive Tasks

While you may not be in a position to quit your job, you can do some things to reduce your chances of sustaining a repetitive stress injury. The Mayo Clinic recommends the following:

• Use appropriate safety gear
• Take breaks
• Stretch
• Move in alternative ways

Because repetitive stress injuries can have serious consequences, you do not want to ignore their warning signs. By realizing your health may be in danger, you can better manage workplace strain. 

Connecting Your Injury To Work Activities

Under California law, you must show you sustained your repetitive stress injury at work to receive workers’ compensation. As such, if you develop symptoms, you should notify your supervisor immediately. Also, you should understand that repetitive stress injuries often worsen over time. Rather than trying to push through the injury, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Your employer pays you for the services you render. You should not, however, expect to sustain a serious injury when you are on the clock. If you suspect you have a repetitive stress injury, you must work diligently to protect both your health and your right to receive compensation.