Some employees suffer injuries or illnesses while performing their duties. Worker’s compensation can offer financial assistance and medical benefits that help them.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one common condition affecting workers. Other repetitive stress disorders are bothersome, too.
Carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress disorders
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the wrist, hand and arm. It occurs with the compression or squeezing of the median nerve. This nerve runs from the forearm into the hand. The compression can lead to pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the affected hand and arm.
Repetitive stress disorders encompass a range of conditions that repetitive motions cause. They include typing, assembly line work and operating machinery. These disorders can affect various parts of the body, including the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders and neck.
Work-related causes
Jobs that require repetitive motions or tasks in awkward positions are more likely to result in these conditions. For example, office workers who spend long hours typing on a computer keyboard may develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Assembly line workers performing repetitive tasks with their hands may experience other types of repetitive stress disorders.
Proving work-relatedness
For worker’s compensation benefits, employees must show a link between work and their condition. Medical documentation, such as diagnosis reports and treatment records, can help. Likewise, medical professionals can explain the link between the condition and the workplace.
Prevention and compensation
Employers have a responsibility to prevent injuries and illnesses. Steps may include ergonomic assessments and job rotation. Other approaches include breaks and training on proper techniques and postures.
Regardless of any preventative steps they may take, an employee may still develop carpal tunnel syndrome or another repetitive stress disorder. Workers’ compensation benefits can help cover medical expenses, lost wages and rehabilitation costs. Employees may be able to receive the support they need to recover and return to work.