Not every on-the-job injury is the result of a sudden accident. While there are definitely many Oklahoma workers injured this way every year, there are also many employees who suffer other types of work-related injuries as well. The workers’ compensation program exists to benefit employees who suffer serious injuries or illness on the job as well as those adversely affected by conditions such as repetitive stress injuries.
RSI is estimated to account for at least half (or more) of all occupational injuries and illnesses throughout the nation. Just because a worker spends a majority of time in an office does not mean he or she is guaranteed safe from injury in the workplace. In fact, those who spend a lot of time sitting or standing in awkward postures or repeating the same task over and over again (such as typing on a keyboard or working on an assembly line in a factory) are often at great risk for RSI.
RSI typically affects wrists, hands, necks, backs and joint areas of the body. Symptoms are not always immediately apparent and such injuries often develop over time rather than occur suddenly as a result of a particular incident. Any worker experiencing pain, tingling, swelling or numbness may wish to seek medical examination to learn if symptoms may be related to RSI.
RSI can cause permanent nerve damage or disability, preventing an Oklahoma worker from returning to the workplace, or at least limiting his or her abilities to carry out certain duties or functions. As with any type of on-the-job injury, a claim for benefits can be filed through the workers’ compensation process if warranted. The process is often complicated and is best undertaken in conjunction with the consultation of an experienced workers’ comp attorney.
Source: healthcentral.com, “Repetitive Stress Injuries”, Accessed on Jan. 2, 2018