What steps can help prevent repetitive stress injury on the job?

A repetitive stress injury is damage caused to the soft tissues of the body such as the hands, shoulders and back. This type of injury is usually caused by overuse or repeating a specific motion with the same body part over and over again over a long period of time. While many blue collar workers can develop a repetitive stress injury it is also very prevalent in office workers who type all day long. But are there steps that Michigan workers can take to help minimize their risk for developing this kind of workplace injury?

Workers who perform manual labor can help reduce their chances of developing a repetitive stress injury by using tools that can absorb the shock they generate when utilized. These tools should also have rubber handles that are soft and allow a worker to perform their job without bending. Work rotation is another good way to help prevent a repetitive stress injury. This technique prevents a worker from repeatedly performing the same work task over and over again. Workers should also take a break every hour to help prevent overuse.

Office workers can also take steps to help reduce the risk of a repetitive stress injury. They should make sure that their desk area is designed for comfort in order to reduce stress while typing. Workers should also try to make sure that their keyboard is low enough to allow their shoulders to relax while working. Wrists should be straight while typing and level with the elbows. Feet should be flat on the floor and their chair should support their back. Workers should also take a five minute break every half hour or so.

A repetitive stress injury can result in lost work days and lost wages. Any Michigan worker who has suffered this kind of debilitating injury may want to speak with a work injury attorney in order to fully understand the legal options that are available to them.

Source: consumer.healthday.com, “Repetitive stress injury“, Accessed Sep. 6, 2015