Your strong work ethic could lead to cumulative trauma

On Behalf of | Aug 16, 2021 | Workplace Injuries

Feeling a sense of dedication to your job is a sign of a strong work ethic. You may realize that your employer and your co-workers alike depend on you to be reliable and to give it your all.

Being good at your job can lead to doing the same tasks week after week and year after year. Unfortunately, dedication to your job and all of that effort you put into daily tasks could have a negative impact on your body.

Every day, you might add a little bit to a cumulative trauma disorder or repetitive stress injury that might eventually stop you from performing the same job responsibilities you currently do.

What are cumulative trauma injuries?

Carpal tunnel syndrome, patellar tendonitis and chronic back pain are all examples of cumulative trauma injuries. They involve small amounts of damage that slowly build up to a larger injury. Repetitive tasks or frequent workplace exposure to chemicals or radiation are among the main contributors to cumulative trauma.

The longer you do the same job, the more likely it is that you will develop injuries from that work. Pain in your back, reduced strength in your hands or even pain in your knees when you lift could all be a sign of cumulative trauma. Thankfully, workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania covers cumulative trauma just like it would any other work-related injury.

What benefits can you get for cumulative trauma?

Although you cannot point to a specific incident as being responsible for your injuries, it is clear that your condition is a direct result of the tasks you perform all day at work. Workers’ compensation should provide medical coverage for any treatment you require and also disability benefits while you take a leave of absence to recover.

Those unable to work may qualify for total disability benefits. Some workers even have to give up their profession and move into a lower-paying line of work, which might entitle them to permanent partial disability benefits.

Applying for workers’ compensation benefits also makes it easier for you to request accommodations from your employer. You might need reduced job responsibilities, more frequent breaks or assistive technology to keep working.

Learning about workers’ compensation benefits can help you protect yourself if you develop an injury because of your job.

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