A repetitive stress injury (RSI) is defined as damage to body tissues, including the tendons, blood vessels, spinal discs, and nerves, inflicted after continuous physical stresses. RSIs are caused by the buildup of many small amounts of damage due to repetitive motions. Remaining in the same position for long periods of time, as required by many jobs, and engaging in the same motion day in and day out, all place employees at risk of RSI.
Symptoms of a RSI will range from a mild but persistent ache to crippling, sharp pain. Symptoms will often arise at work then disappear during periods of rest. As they intensify, they can interfere with work activities, sleep, and daily living tasks. Eventually, a RSI can result in severe pain, limited mobility, muscle weakness, and loss of sensation. This can permanently impact your ability to work.
Risk Factors for RSIs
Some factors that will increase your risk of a work related RSI include:
- Repetition: Performing the same motion multiple times a day and not allowing your body to have sufficient time to rest and recover from the strain will put you at risk of RSI.
- Poor or stressful posture: Engaging in work tasks that place your body in a stressful posture can cause RSI. This includes repeated overhead motions, extreme bending of the elbow, lifting and twisting, holding objects in a fixed position for a long time.
- Frequent heavy lifting: Lifting objects that weigh 25 pounds or more can result in injury if the employer does not teach proper lifting or offer safety devices to prevent injuries. Jobs that require lifting 70 or more pounds are almost always dangerous.
While nearly any job can result in a RSI, there are certain positions that make workers more prone to these injuries. Employees in manual labor fields, clerical workers, technical service workers, bus and truck drivers, food service workers, skilled trade workers, and health services workers are all prone to these injuries due to the repetitive motions performed by employees.
Types of Repetitive Stress Injuries
- Hand and arm injuries: Common hand and arm injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and neurovascular disorders. These disorders can be quite painful and result in the inability to perform typing and other hand related motions.
- Back injuries: The back is particularly susceptible to repetitive stress injuries and back injuries caused by these motions include back strains, back sprains, herniated discs, and ruptured discs.
Employers Should Protect Employees Against RSIs
Employers should design the workplace and work tasks so as to place employees at minimal risk of developing RSIs. These injuries can greatly hinder an employee’s ability to perform and could result in lifelong disability. Employers can minimize RSIs by analyzing the way employees perform tasks and the position they sit or stand in much of the day. If you believe you have sustained a work related RSI, consult with a workers’ compensation attorney as you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
Barrett Law PLLC: Assisting Injured Workers Across Mississippi
If you have sustained a repetitive stress injury at work or any other type of workplace related injury, contact the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC. Our prominent Mississippi law firm has assisted injured workers for over 75 years. If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied or minimized, we can offer the exceptional representation you need to obtain the recovery you deserve. Do not delay, as you have a limited time within which to bring your workers’ compensation claim or appeal from your denial. Call us today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free initial consultation.