Mention a workplace injury to most Americans and they envision a construction accident, a fall, or a slip on an unsafe floor—images of a dramatic, often traumatic accidents. However, repetitive-motion disorders or injuries related to office tasks are increasingly common in today’s information-based workplace. The details of one reporter's experience with similar issues can be read here.
The Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory at Cornell University reports 80% of employees in office settings report work-related issues. These include aches, pains, and serious musculoskeletal disorders. Injuries in an office setting are often the result of repetitive-motions that damage the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands.
Citing the Numbers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported some 2.8 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses in 2017. These included joint pain, sprains, sore muscles, and cuts. Even a task as simple as typing can do damage. For example, a typist pressing 6,000 keys an hour can apply 20 tons of force with their fingers in the course of an average week. The Workers’ Compensation specialists at Freeburn Law have experience with claims involving these types of repetitive strain injuries.
Finding Solutions
Evidence supports moving away from work stations and taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks over the course of a workday. One study found typists who sat for extended periods suffered a 22% increase in mental fatigue. In contrast, those who stood felt a marked increase in musculoskeletal discomfort. Those who changed positions claimed a 3% percent overall reduction in discomfort.
Standards—such as those released by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)—make recommendations for keyboards or mice. However, those recommendations do not address long-term health concerns. Rather, they are based solely on user comfort. Experts also warn against relying on a product label claiming a device is “ergonomic.” Currently, there is no certification process to verify any such benefits.
We Can Help
If you or a loved one has been denied Workers’ Compensation benefits to which you are rightfully entitled, contact the experienced Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation attorneys at Freeburn Law for help at 717-777-7777. To help address your questions, we also offer our exclusive Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Guide.
Freeburn Law has attorneys on staff who are certified specialists by the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Workers' Compensation Law Section. These specialists are ready to represent you in your work injury claim. Let us fight to secure the maximum compensation and benefits you deserve.
When you call, you’ll speak with a leading Harrisburg Workers’ Compensation lawyer for FREE. Freeburn Law will fight hard to seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Just call the 7’s for help at 717-777-7777 or 570-777-7777. There is no attorney’s fee due up front—and we only get paid after you do.
