Workers’ compensation laws exist to prevent you from suffering undue hardship if injured at work. Modern laws stem from those introduced during the Industrial Revolution. Yet, the job you do today may not even have existed back then.
The original laws were designed around people in heavy industry and all the nasty accidents that can happen when working in factories, mines and other such places. People still work in those industries, and those horrific injuries still occur. Yet, with the advance of technology, many of us work in less strenuous occupations where the chance of being crushed, maimed or blinded is much lower. That does not mean you cannot suffer injury.
Repetitive stress injuries are one of the leading causes of injury to workers
Repeating limited movements can be damaging regardless of how heavy or light the work you do is. Here are a few examples:
- You work in a factory: Once upon a time, your role would have been more varied. These days, you likely spend your day working on one part of a product only. Someone else completes the steps before and after, they too being restricted to a few repetitive movements, albeit different ones to yours.
- You work in a bank: Typing numbers into the computer while sat at the counter will eventually take its toll on your hands and lower arms. Typing may become painful, as may holding your coffee mug at break time or grasping a knife to prepare dinner for the kids when you get home. If you do not get rest and treatment soon enough, you may end up needing surgery.
Thankfully workers’ compensation laws have moved with the times. If you can show your repetitive strain injury is work-related, you should be able to claim compensation.