Employees in blue-collar professions rely on their bodies to perform job functions. They may repeatedly perform the same tasks every few minutes whenever they work. People in manufacturing professions and those working in meatpacking are among those who are particularly vulnerable to cumulative trauma or repetitive strain injuries.
They could potentially develop chronic shoulder pain from constantly needing to lift and twist with their arms. That pain, if left untreated, could force them to leave their well-paid careers.
Shoulder pain can affect job performance
Workers coping with painful shoulder injuries often try to control their symptoms, possibly by using over-the-counter medication. They may also subconsciously make adjustments to their work habits. They may slow down, which can impact their employers’ satisfaction with their job performance. They may also become less effective at performing certain functions that require strength or range of motion.
Eventually, their symptoms may become so debilitating that they have to leave their jobs or may be at risk of termination. Filing a worker’s compensation claim can help those employees. They can receive disability benefits while they are away from work.
Workers’ compensation can also help cover their treatment costs. If they move into a different job, they may even be eligible for benefits that help supplement their lower wages. Many blue-collar professionals dislike the idea of reporting an injury or asking for accommodations. The alternative might be risking their future employment.
Filing a workers’ compensation claim can help document a worker’s medical condition and assist them as they address the consequences of their injuries. Blue-collar workers may qualify for benefits after traumatic injuries or when they develop cumulative trauma that causes pain in their shoulders.
