Repetitive Trauma Injury FAQs

What are the common symptoms of repetitive strain injuries?

Some of the symptoms of RSIs include pain, numbness, tingling, less flexibility, and motion. Unfortunately, many workers don’t feel these symptoms during the early stages or may experience them when holding a specific posture. If you aren’t treated, you will eventually experience these symptoms permanently.

Who is more at risk for a repetitive stress injury?

A repetitive stress injury is more common on people working with computers since these type of jobs require a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, and so on. But there are also other job tasks that may involve repeated micro-movements such as lifting and carrying equipment or holding an uncomfortable position. Other high-risk jobs for repetitive strain injuries include:

• Housekeeping cleaners, Bus drivers, Nurses and healthcare aides, Delivery workers, Firefighters, Musicians and athletes

What can I do if I suspect a work-related RSI?

If you feel the symptoms are related to your job tasks, it’s important you notify your employer right away and see a doctor. But you must follow the workers’ comp system’s rules. Waiting too long to seek medical treatment and legal advice will not only hinder the recovery process but also make it more challenging to receive workers’ compensation benefits. You must explain to your doctor when you started experiencing these symptoms and how it happened. The doctor may recommend you stop working for a while or work part-time to allow your repetitive strain injury get better. Some work restrictions may apply such as time limits on how long to perform specific tasks and taking frequent breaks.

When is a lawyer unnecessary?

If your injury is not work-related and it doesn’t result in permanent injuries or require extensive medical treatment and long periods off work, chances are workers’ comp will not cover it.

What steps can I take to prevent workplace injuries?

Some steps you can take to prevent workplace injuries include:

• Attend workplace safety workshops
• Report poor lighting, wet floors, broken nails, or any other hazard
• Put away workplace equipment when not in use
• Use the right ladders when trying to reach items on high shelves
• Don’t store heavy objects up high
• If possible, invest in a good ergonomic chair to keep your body in a correct position and work comfortably
• If you have a stationary job, get plenty of exercise and take breaks to walk around.