While many people automatically think about horrible accidents that produce serious physical damage when they think of workplace injuries, not all injuries on the job are horrific or instant. Repetitive stress injuries are actually incredibly common, and many times, nobody else even knows about them because they are internal and something that happens over time. Once you realize that you may have such a condition, it is already fairly severe. You should immediately let your Pennsylvania employer know about the condition when you get your diagnosis. There is a range of such injuries you may experience.
The Cleveland Clinic explains the most common repetitive stress injuries usually occur to the hands, wrists and arms. Think about how you use your hands daily when working. Pretty much everyone in an office environment is constantly typing on a keyboard, which can put hands, wrists and arms in awkward positions that cause stress on the joints, tendons, nerves and muscles. This can eventually lead to a repetitive stress injury.
Generally, strain is a big concern. Swelling in the area is normally what leads to pain in these injuries. Conditions include bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. They can prevent you from being able to move your hands, wrists or arms properly and without pain.
Other situations that could lead to these types of injuries include working on a machine or equipment that has constant vibration, working in a situation where you are exposed to cold continuously and using power tools. In general, any situation where you have exposure to consistent and continual movement or strain on your hands, wrists or arms can lead to a repetitive stress injury. This information is for education and is not legal advice.
