Which Workers Are At Risk For Developing Repetitive Trauma Injuries (RTIs)?

Repetitive trauma injuries (RTIs) are a common problem for workers in various industries. The condition is caused by repetitive motions or forceful exertions, and it can result in pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. If you have been diagnosed with an RTI, you may be wondering if your job played a role in its development and whether you can seek workers’ compensation benefits for your RTI.

Speak with our workers’ compensation attorneys at Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP to discuss your specific situation and determine if you can seek workers’ comp benefits for your repetitive trauma injury.

Causes of Repetitive Trauma Injuries

RTIs are often caused by repetitive motion, prolonged use of vibrating tools, and awkward postures. Workers involved in jobs that involve forceful and repetitive movement are at a higher risk of developing RTIs.

Symptoms of Repetitive Trauma Injuries

The symptoms of RTIs vary depending on the area of the body affected. Common signs of RTIs include tingling, numbness, swelling, stiffness, and pain, according to the Cleveland Clinic’s website. Workers with RTIs may experience difficulty in performing everyday tasks, such as grasping objects or lifting weights. RSIs can also cause stiffness in the joints, muscle fatigue, and reduced range of motion. These symptoms tend to develop gradually and may get worse with time if not treated adequately.

Who Is More at Risk for Developing Repetitive Trauma Injuries?

Some workers are more prone to developing repetitive trauma injuries. High-risk jobs for RTIs include:

1. Packing and assembly workers. Workers in this profession often perform tasks like packing, sorting, and assembling products, which involve repetitive motions of the hands and arms. These motions can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a common form of RSI.
2. Construction workers. Tasks like jackhammering, carpentry, and heavy lifting put construction workers at risk of developing RSIs in areas like the arms, shoulders, and back.
3. Material handlers. This profession involves moving, lifting, and carrying heavy objects. These repetitive motions can lead to RSIs like tendonitis and bursitis.
4. Truck and bus drivers. Sitting for prolonged periods can put pressure on the lower back, leading to conditions like sciatica and herniated discs.
5. Nurses. Repetitive motions like bending over and lifting patients can cause RSIs in regions like the back, neck, and hands.
6. Lab technicians. Being a lab technician involves pipetting, typing, and fine motor skills, which can lead to conditions like tennis elbow and rotator cuff injuries.
7. Retail workers. This profession involves standing for prolonged periods, which can lead to conditions like plantar fasciitis and knee pain.
8. Shelf stockers. This job involves repetitive motions like lifting and stocking shelves, which can lead to injuries in the back, wrists, and arms.
9. Cashiers. Workers in this profession often perform repetitive motions like scanning items and bagging products, which can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.
10. Office workers. Prolonged sitting and computer use (e.g., typing and using the computer mouse) can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and eyestrain.

However, you may also develop a repetitive strain injury even if you are not one of the workers mentioned above. If your RTI is caused by your work, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. This will require you to prove that your injury is the result of your job duties.

Diagnosed with RTI? Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Many jobs put workers at risk for developing RTIs. If you were diagnosed with a repetitive trauma injury but are not sure how to prove that your RTI is the result of your job duties, contact Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP to get help. We can help you obtain the proof that you need to establish a link between your injury and work duties and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Call 800-248-3352 to receive a free case review.

Source:

my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17424-repetitive-strain-injury