A work injury in any type of work setting is possible – even in ergonomic settings. Learn about ergonomic work settings, injuries that can occur, and how to prevent them from an experienced Richmond Workers’ Compensation attorney at Injured Workers Law Firm.
About Ergonomics in the Workplace
Ergonomics is a science that involves fitting conditions in the workplace to the capabilities and needs of the workers. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), ‘fitting’ is designed to assist with increased productivity, avoidance of injury and illness risk, and increased worker satisfaction. A work related injury that is related to ergonomics can generally be easily avoided, but many employers aren’t aware of how to give their employees the right tools and conditions to alleviate risks.
Types of Ergonomic Injuries
Many types of injuries that can occur in the workplace are related to ergonomics. While most people think of office-related incidents when they hear the term ‘ergonomics’, there are actually many different types of environments where having the right ‘fit’ makes a difference.
Some common injury claims include:
- repetitive or prolonged exertion of the hands or arms;
- heavy, frequent lifting (leading to arm, shoulder, or back problems);
- pushing, pulling, carrying repetitively;
- improper sitting/standing positions that lead to injury;
- prolonged awkward positions or postures; and
- vibration or temperature (hot or cold) related injuries.
Risk Factors and Conditions
When it comes to ergonomic work injuries, many risks and conditions are more likely to cause them. Knowing these things can help you in filing your claim, as well as in protecting yourself from injury in the first place.
Some of the risk factors that could affect your physical wellbeing at work include:
- intensity of activity;
- duration of activities;
- frequency of activities;
- repetitive or prolonged exertion;
- repetitive pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying;
- vibration;
- noise; and
- heat or cold.
If you’re workplace has these risk factors, it’s wise to speak to your employer to discuss how work injuries can be prevented. Your employer should be proactive in decreasing risk, so that work injuries do not occur. If your employer is not proactive, and a work injury occurs, the employee may be able to receive Workers’ Compensation due the loss of salary, cost of medical expenses, and other damages.
If you’ve already been injured at work, this information can be a good way to start developing your claim against your employer as it shows how these conditions may have contributed to your injury, and how it your injury could have been prevented.
A Richmond Workers’ Compensation attorney can help you build a strong case for your work injury.
How to Build a Strong Case for a Work Related Injury
When you have a workplace injury related to ergonomics, you may deserve to get compensation. Talk to a Richmond Workers’ Compensation attorney about your case, as well as the options that you have for fighting your claim. We have the experience that you need in Workers’ Comp cases so that you can fight your claim accordingly. There are varieties of injuries that can occur and we know how to handle them all, including making sure that you get the medical care that you deserve to treat your injuries.
You can learn more about Workers’ Compensation and get your free Workers’ Compensation Guide today from the Injured Workers Law Firm. Call today at 877-755-7744 to discuss your case or learn more about work related lawsuits.
The Injured Workers Law Firm is a Richmond, Virginia based firm solely focused on serving clients with workers' compensation claims in Virginia. If you have questions about your benefits or if you would like more information on the Virginia Workers’ Compensation system, order our book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” , or call our office today (804) 755-7755.