Many jobs require New York City employees to conduct the same activities every workday. This may not seem like a big problem, especially for workers who enjoy doing the same work without having to change tasks. However, repetitive actions can lead to repetitive stress injuries. There are a number of reasons that some workers may be at greater risk of sustaining a repetitive stress injury.
According to Heathline, repetition strains the same muscles over a period of time. You might be swiping goods at a checkout, typing on a computer keyboard, or using the same tools day by day. Sometimes it is not just motion that can cause a stress injury, however. Posture can also be an instigator. You might be sitting, standing or bending over in the same way for extended time periods. Picking up heavy objects can also lead to stress injury.
Your current state of health may also increase the risk of a repetitive stress injury. Physically fit individuals may be able to avoid injury, but the odds go up if you are in poor health or are not getting enough exercise. Also, some workers have sustained prior injuries that could be aggravated by repetitive motion, such as injuries to the wrist, shoulder or back. Additionally, a previous tear of a rotator cuff can become the catalyst for a new stress injury.
Repetitive stress injury can make it painful to keep performing work. Possible symptoms include mild or severe pain, a new sensitivity to environmental conditions, swelling, weakness or tenderness. It is crucial to get proper treatment and figure out how to minimize your risk of stress injury. Sometimes it may require more rest breaks or an adjustment of your work activities.
Workers can experience many different repetitive motion injuries, so do not interpret this article as legal advice. Read this information for your educational benefit and not as a substitute for the counsel of an attorney.