Any job, especially ones that involve manual labor, can cause serious musculoskeletal injuries. These refer to injuries in the muscles, joints, cartilage, tendons, nerves and/or spinal discs. Such injuries can be very painful and debilitating, and take a long time to heal. Examples of musculoskeletal injuries include:
- Sprains, strains and tears
- Many types of back injuries
- Hernias
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
They are some of the most common types of work injuries in Lakeland and the rest of Central Florida. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 1999, nearly 1 million American workers were forced to take time off work to recover from a musculoskeletal injury.
In 2001, these injuries required a median of eight days off work to recover from. Other non-fatal work-related injuries and illnesses only needed a median of six days of recovery time. In the most serious cases, the worker needs even longer to recover, if they ever fully do.
Ergonomics can prevent these workplace injuries…
A workplace that cares about its employees’ health and safety uses ergonomics, which is adapting work duties and conditions to accommodate how the human body works. This often involves training as well as safety equipment like braces, splints and belts.
… but it isn’t a perfect solution
When correctly done, ergonomics can significantly reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace. But nothing can eliminate them altogether. And the CDC believes that some safety equipment protects some body parts at the expense of others, possibly leading to injuries anyway.
The good news is you may qualify for workers’ compensation to help you make ends meet while recovering from your injury. Getting approved is not always a straightforward process, but it can be well worth it for working families.
Musculoskeletal injuries can disrupt your ability to work, earn a living, and care for your family. Even when employers use ergonomic practices, serious harm can still occur. If you’ve suffered this type of workplace injury, Smith, Feddeler & Smith, P.A. can help you pursue the workers’ compensation benefits you may be entitled to. Contact our team today to discuss your claim and protect your future.
