Preventing physical workplace disorders in Connecticut

April 24, 2013 (Press-News.org) Preventing physical workplace disorders in Connecticut

Article provided by Drake, Marjorie Howes
Visit us at http://www.mdrakelaw.com

There are many ways that individuals can become injured at work, but the most common types of injuries are cumulative trauma disorders, otherwise known as repetitive motion disorders. These are conditions that arise from the extended repetition of certain physical movements, often involving the arms, wrists and hands. Symptoms of these motion disorders include pain, tingling and numbness in certain areas of the body, and many times there are no visible signs of injury associated with the disorder.

One common condition that arises from workplace exertion such as typing and operation of machines is carpal tunnel syndrome. Other conditions include trigger finger, tendonitis, bursitis and tenosynovitis. Individuals in Hartford County can protect themselves from these workplace injuries by being aware of preventative actions that can be taken while they are working. While there is no quick-fix for repetitive motion disorders, steps can be taken by employers and employees to try and limit the risk of these disorders or prevent them from worsening if they have already developed.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common and widely known repetitive motion disorder. The syndrome occurs when the tissue around the median nerve in the wrist becomes injured through excessive motion. It then begins to swell and puts pressure on the nerve. The result is pain in the wrist and hand, loss of feeling, and difficulty performing tasks that require the use of hands. The syndrome can cause great pain and hardship to individuals whose work requires them to use their hands and wrists on a constant basis.

Steps to preventing injury

Many employers are now taking steps to help prevent their employees from developing common repetitive motion disorders. The exercises to prevent injuries are simple and easy. The most straightforward way to prevent or mitigate repetitive motion disorders is simply to stop performing that repetitive motion and do some other type of task. Employees can also benefit from taking regular breaks to rest their limbs. Gently stretching and shaking out limbs can prevent them from stressing. If an employee's job requires typing, maintaining good posture and keeping wrists relaxed while working can help to reduce any risks. Alternatively, voice recognition software is a good hands-free alternative option to typing that still allows a worker to be productive.

Workers' compensation benefits

A person suffering from a repetitive motion disorder may be able to obtain relief through a workers' compensation claim. The injured worker can get in touch with a local attorney to explore the available legal options. An injured worker may receive temporary total benefits when he cannot work at all because of his injury, temporary partial benefits if he is returned to work with restrictions, and when his treatment is over and he has reached maximum medical improvement, he may be entitled to benefits for permanent partial disability. The State of Connecticut in some cases will provide job training. A workers' compensation attorney can help with the claims process to help the injured person receive the treatment and benefits he needs.