Muscle sprains and strains are a normal part of life. Yet not all musculoskeletal disorders, conditions, and problems arise from everyday occurrences. Some are the result of workplace injuries.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that musculoskeletal disorders make up nearly one-third of Workers’ Compensation payment claims. The average worker with a musculoskeletal disorder spends 12 days away from the job while in recovery. It is no wonder that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put the total yearly business cost of musculoskeletal disorders in the tens of billions of dollars.
Of course, musculoskeletal disorders are bad not just for employers but for the employees who suffer from them. According to CDC figures, approximately 130 million visits to health care providers annually can be traced to musculoskeletal disorders. This shows how widespread these injuries can be. Although musculoskeletal disorders are not fatal, they can lead to a lifetime of pain, mobility constraints, and medical costs, especially if they are initially untreated.
How Do Musculoskeletal Disorders Happen?
Musculoskeletal disorders revolve around some type of problem with the connective tissues, cartilage, joints, and nerves. When workers experience musculoskeletal disorders, the disorders usually arise from repetitive motion rather than from a sudden accident. For example, someone who works at a computer for eight or more hours a day may suffer carpal tunnel syndrome. Similarly, a warehouse employee who lifts and moves heavy boxes every shift may wind up with a hernia.
Any type of worker can become a victim of an occupational musculoskeletal disorder, although people in highly physical industries such as manufacturing or health care tend to report musculoskeletal problems more often. In fact, the CDC has noted that around half of all musculoskeletal disorder-related Workers’ Compensation cases occur among people working in manufacturing, retail, or the medical field.
What Are Common Worker Injuries Related to Musculoskeletal Disorders?
Workplace-linked musculoskeletal disorders can present themselves in a variety of ways. Nevertheless, some injuries and diagnoses are more frequently seen than others. These include the following issues and injuries:
- Back injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Degenerative disk disease
- Epicondylitis
- Hernia
- Muscle strains
- Neck sprains and strains
- Rotator cuff problems
- Ruptured disks
- Tendinitis
It should be noted that these represent just a few of the many kinds of musculoskeletal disorders and variations. Workers who experience regular musculoskeletal discomfort should visit a health care provider or specialist to determine the cause of their concerns.
How Can Workers Avoid Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders?
No worker wants to get sidelined with a musculoskeletal disorder. Following a few best practices can reduce any employee’s chances of being hurt.
- Stay fit. Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active reduce the likelihood of an employee having a musculoskeletal injury. This is especially important for older workers whose bodies may be less agile naturally.
- Practice ergonomic work routines. Ergonomics is the science of trying to make all moves more efficient yet less stressful on the body. When applied in the workplace, ergonomics cuts down on the risk of musculoskeletal disorders by reducing the stressors placed upon workers. Ergonomic equipment such as a height-adjustable desk or forklift can make it easier for employees to get repetitive tasks finished without hurting their bodies.
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE). The right PPE such as wrist splints and back braces or belts can prevent the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders.
What happens if workers experience musculoskeletal problems despite their best efforts to avoid an injury? They should see a medical professional as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment lead to better outcomes for all musculoskeletal disorders.
If the musculoskeletal disorder is truly work related, the employee should receive Workers’ Compensation to cover all bills and time off work from injury. Workers whose initial Workers’ Compensation claims are denied should talk with a Workers’ Compensation lawyer to discuss their options.
Media Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello Help Workers Recover from Their Injuries
If a musculoskeletal disorder left you out of work and with mounting medical bills and you were denied Workers’ Compensation, reach out to Media Workers’ Compensation lawyers at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello. Our legal team will answer your questions and secure the compensation for which you are entitled. Learn more at a free consultation by filling out an online registration form or calling (610) 892-4940. Our office is in Media, Pennsylvania. We represent clients in Media, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lancaster, Montgomery County, Norristown, Philadelphia, Reading, West Chester, and throughout Pennsylvania.