Office workers are prone to a variety of repetitive stress and computer-related injuries.
When we think of workplace injuries, we often think of construction, factory, and mining workers. However, office workers are also prone to workplace injuries and illnesses even though the nature of injuries is different from those suffered by other classes of workers.
Work-Related Repetitive Stress Injuries
Office workers spend a large part of their workday on the computer and are prone to a variety of repetitive stress injuries and injuries related to computer use. There are various reasons why office workers suffer computer-related injuries and these include:
- poor posture
- typing or performing the same movements for prolonged periods
- non-ergonomic workspace
- sitting hunched over a screen
Neck, Shoulder, and Back Injuries
When working on a computer for long hours, a worker may tend to tilt their head downward causing strain on the shoulders and neck. Sitting for prolonged periods puts a lot of strain on the back. These positions can cause shoulder, neck, and back injuries. To avoid this, workers can utilize ergonomic chairs, position the screen at eye level, and take frequent breaks. All this can go a long way in preventing strain-related injuries and will help workers perform efficiently.
Eye Problems
Employees who spend a lot of time working on computers are at risk of developing a variety of eye-related problems including vision problems, eye strain, and headaches. According to the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal employees, eye disorders are the most commonly reported problems among those who work on computers. Office workers often complain of headaches, blurred vision, and the ability to see colors.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A common injury suffered by those who spend long hours working on a computer is carpal tunnel syndrome. It is an injury caused by pressure on the median nerve that runs from the shoulder to the arm and affects the hands and wrists. Some common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are tingling, pain, and numbness.
Tendon Injuries
Poor posture, such as hunched and unnatural seated positions, can injure various tendons in the body. Poor posture along with repetitive motion lead to various tendon injuries including:
- tendonitis
- tennis elbow
- tenosynovitis
- ganglionic cysts
These injuries can have a long-term effect on the health of a worker and may require prolonged treatment. If not treated in a timely manner, these injuries may worsen and require surgery and a long time away from work.
Missouri Workman’s Compensation
These injuries are generally covered under workers’ compensation and an injured worker can receive medical and wage loss benefits under the program. If you are facing any problems in proving a work-related injury and receiving your rightful benefits, contact a St. Louis workman’s compensation attorney from The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann. Call us at (314) 361-4300 for a free case evaluation.
Workplace Injury and Accident Causes
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos Removal
Second Hand Asbestos Exposure
Sexual Assault Workplace
Physical Assault at Workplace
Workplace Injuries Assembly Line
At Fault Accident
Workplace Attack
Benzene Exposure
Injured on Lunch Break
Building Collapse
Workplace Bullying
Chemical Exposure in the Workplace
Chemical Hazards in the Workplace
Cold Stress in the Workplace
Combustible Dust Explosion
Computer Use
Construction Site Accident
Conveyor Belt Accident
On the Job Injury Cause by Coworker
Crane Accident
Injuries from Desk Jobs
Diesel Exhaust Fumes Exposure
Digging Injury
Breaking Company Policy
Drowning at Work
Workplace Drug Use
Electrical Workplace Accidents
Elevator Accident
Equipment Accident
Ergonomics in the Workplace
Excessive Overtime
Workplace Explosion
Extreme Danger
Fall at Work
Fire in the Workplace
Slicer Accident
Forklift Accident
Walk in Freezer
Gas Pipeline Accident
Hard Work
Workplace Hazardous Substances
Hazardous Equipment in the Workplace
Heavy Machinery Accident
Horseplay in the Workplace
Danger at Workplace
Insomnia in the Workplace
Jumping Accident
Ladder Falls at Work
Loading Dock Accident
Machinery Accident Workplace
Equipment Failure Accident
Mining Accident
Mold in the Workplace
Nail Gun Accident
Workplace Noise
Non Collision Accident
Heavy Objects
Workplace Office Equipment
Opioid Use
Injury at Work Due to OSHA Violation
Overexertion Injuries at Work
Use of Pain Killers
Power Tool Injury
Inadequate PPE
Repetitive Motion Injuries in the Workplace
Mansfield Bar
Scaffolding Accident
Secondhand Smoke in the Workplace
Side Effects
Silica Exposure
Sleep Disorder
Slip and Fall Injuries in the Workplace
Stairs at Work
Struck by a Vehicle
Tar Fumes
Toxic Chemical Exposure
Toxic Fumes in the Workplace
Car Accident While Working
Trench Collapse
Trips at Work
Unsafe Working Conditions
Workplace Violence
Welding Injury
Winter Hazards in the Workplace
Working Shifts