Aches and pains are fairly normal after a hard day of work, but there are instances in which those symptoms can signal something serious. The shoulder is one area of the body that deals with a lot of strain. That makes it a likely location for injuries.
Repetitive job duties are one of the most common causes of shoulder injuries. When the same arm motion is repeated many times, the shoulder doesn’t have time to recover. Having to move the arm in an awkward position increases the risk of an injury. This is also associated with overhead work and consistent static shoulder load.
Ergonomics may reduce risks
The onus is on the employer to ensure that the employees have safe work conditions. A job may not look like it’s physically challenging, but the position of the shoulder while they’re doing their job duties is important. Using team lifting procedures, hoists and proper body mechanics are critical.
As workers are doing their job duties, they should ensure they aren’t twisting the shoulder, which can be challenging in cramped spaces. They should also pay attention for signs that something is amiss. This usually starts with pain and discomfort that may get a little better with rest. As time progresses, the injury may get worse with repeated use. Eventually, there isn’t any relief with rest and medical care becomes necessary.
Shoulder injuries that occur at work are covered under workers’ compensation. This should take care of the medical bills and specific other expenses. It’s often challenging to handle these claims, particularly if there are any disputes. Working with someone familiar with these matters may make this process easier.
