When people think about workplace injuries, they often consider catastrophic events, like someone falling off of a 10-foot ladder to the concrete floor below. But things don’t have to be this traumatic for you to suffer serious complications.
For instance, despite the popularity of standing desks and the need for many workers to be on their feet, it’s been found that standing can take a serious physical toll on your body. This isn’t to say that sitting is necessarily better, as it has been linked to obesity and plenty of other health issues, but it’s important to know that simply being at work all day may be causing your body to wear down.
What problems can it cause?
There many different problems that come when someone has to stand in the same position all day long, including the following:
- They’re at a higher risk for varicose veins and may need to have surgery.
- They put extra pressure on all their joints, such as the ankles, knees and hips.
Some research has found that standing desks can actually lead to lower back problems, and lower back pain is one of the most common types of injuries workers suffer from.
In some ways, this is similar to how those who type every day are at greater risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. What seems like a simple action with no detrimental ramifications can certainly take a toll over time, and this accumulated trauma could mean that you can no longer work.
If you do find yourself in this position, then it’s important to know what legal options you have and if you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.