Repetitive stress injuries (RSI) such as carpal tunnel syndrome are debilitating conditions suffered by workers whose jobs involve repetitive activity and movement. With the increased use of computers in the workplace, RSI work injuries have become more prevalent Aside from activities involving the use of computers, assuming awkward or fixed postures for long periods or repeated movements without variation or pause may cause repetitive stress injuries. Carpal tunnel syndrome also occurs in other types of occupations, including assembly, writing, sewing, typing, driving, and use of tools.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome typically includes medication, physical therapy, splints and other adaptive equipment, and surgery if necessary. The attorneys at Powell Law understand the impact this condition has on workers’ livelihoods and are prepared to assist all workers in receiving compensation for repetitive stress injuries in the workplace.
Occupations that require workers to remain in a fixed position for long periods, also known as static posturing, may result in more RSIs. Examples of static posturing include prolonged sitting, standing, gripping and grasping, as well as holding a certain position for an extended period of time.
Product checkers also incur a high rate of these injuries, as they are required to continually pull or slide products across a scanner over the course of a work shift. This repetitive activity often results in cumulative trauma to the upper extremities. The repetitive turning of the neck from side to side may also cause a RSI to the neck or shoulders, while the continuous lifting may cause back injuries.
If you work in one of the following occupations, or even one not listed, you may incur a repetitive stress injury or disorder. Powell Law has vast experience representing all types of workers in all types of occupations:
Repetitive stress Injuries (RSIs) occurring in the course and scope of employment are compensable under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act. At Powell Law, one of our areas of practice revolves around workers’ compensation. We effectively assist clients throughout the entire workers’ compensation claims process. Our attorneys, past and present, have represented Pennsylvania workers injured on the job for 110 years.
