Workplace Repeated Strain Injuries that happen on the job need to be eliminated at the source whenever possible, and should be the ulimate goal for occupational safety and health. The primary source of injury is continuous repeated and/or static flexion of the fingers and hands in a unidirectional (one way) motion ( i.e. mouse use, typing, writing, gripping work tools, etc.), repeating the same motions again and again, over an extended period of time. In cases of repeated strain injuries, there are other factors, such as applied force, fixed body position, and the pace of work requiring repeated or long-term static movements, and are contributing factors in becoming afflicted with a disabling repeated strain injury.
Therefore, the main effort to protect workers from repeated strain such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, cubital tunnel syndrome, guyon's syndrome and other injuries should focus on limiting or “counteracting" activities that require constant overuse of the flexor muscles of the hand and forearm. If left unchecked, repeated or long-term static finger and wrist flexion eventually leads to muscle imbalance and the onset of one of the many debilitating repeated strain injuries listed above. Repetitive strain injuries can be achieved by implementing of workplace standards that involve:
* Job/task rotation
* Individual-specific ergonomic work stations
* Quick breaks
* Stretching program
* Exercise program
* Individual-specific ergonomic work stations
* Quick breaks
* Stretching program
* Exercise program
Putting the workplace standards listed above, into effect, are extremely important in maintaining structural integrity and muscle balance of the entire upper extremity ( i.e. Fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, upper arms, and shoulders).
Be sure to consult your workplace company employee health director for assistance if you are beginning to suffer from a repeated strain injury. The practices listed above need to be applied in order to keep the injury from getting any worse. Prevention is always cheaper than rehabilitation, both physically and financially!
When these types of injuries do occur, it is sometimes possible to get a cash advance on the pending lawsuit, depending on the severity and status of the case, and if your state allows funding on worker's comp. cases.
About the Author:
Linda Hughes of Freedom First Funding, is the Chief Operations Officer. Freedom First Funding is an experienced full service legal funding broker, that specializes in helping plaintiffs and attorneys that need advances on their pending and settled lawsuits, before their cases settle. You are invited to visit us on the web, or call Toll Free: 877 386 3374 for more information.
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