The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that over one-third of all work-related injuries in 2015 were musculoskeletal disorders. These injuries occur as a result of physical actions taken at work, not an accident. California residents should be aware of what these injuries are so that they can get medical attention if needed.
What is a work-related musculoskeletal disorder?
A musculoskeletal disorder is an injury that affects your muscles, tendons, or nerves. The injury does not happen suddenly like with an accident; it happens from repetitive motions that you do during your day at work.
You do not have to be in a physically challenging position to suffer from this type of injury. An employee who types all day can strain their wrist muscles to the point that it causes carpal tunnel syndrome. Similarly, employees in a manufacturing position can injure themselves from repetitively using power tools. Nerves, muscles, and tendons are easy to injure when a repetitive motion occurs every day.
Can you file workers’ compensation for a musculoskeletal disorder?
Musculoskeletal disorder, or repetitive motion injuries, qualifies as a work-related injury, and you can seek worker’s compensation. If you are suffering from this type of injury, you will need to report it to your supervisor or HR department so that you can get the medical help you need. A musculoskeletal disorder can impact your job and your personal life.
These injuries should not be overlooked or left untreated. You could suffer a permanent injury if you do not get the necessary medical care for these injuries. Your employer must acknowledge this type of injury and allow you to get the medical care you need to make a physical recovery.
