ADVERTORIAL FEATURE
13th August 2012
Every day, workers make personal injury claims against their employers for injuries suffered in the workplace. This can include injuries sustained from faulty equipment, poor training or inadequate supervision. An obvious example is where someone is injured on a building site.
But where does repetitive strain injury come in all this? Is it an actual injury? Can you hurt yourself sitting at desk? Well the short answer is, yes you can. You can also make a personal injury claim. Here it is explained by First Personal Injury solicitors.
What is a repetitive strain injury?
It’s a collective name for physical disorders or injuries that occur from the continual use of equipment. If you use the same equipment every day at work; this is when it often happens. So if you work in a factory, office or construction site where you are required to carry out the same task, there is always a chance you could suffer an injury.
A repetitive strain type of injury usually involves an injury to the muscles, nerves and tendons in the arms or upper back; with the main cause being tension for a long period of time. In most instances this tension will be caused by repetitive motions and poor posture.
How can this happen at work?
There are many different ways this can happen at work, with common forms of repetitive strain injury occurring due to repetitive manual acts (carpal tunnel syndrome), or gripping machinery (trigger finger). There is also the chance that you can suffer this kind of injury from simply sitting at your computer day in day out.
De Quervain’s Syndrome involves a pain and swelling of the wrist, usually on the thumb side and is commonly suffered by those whose jobs involve continual typing.
Can I make a claim against my employer?
To make a personal injury claim against your employer, you will have to prove a breach of duty on their behalf. All employers have a duty to provide employees with full and proper training, adequate supervision and competent staff. If it can be proven they have breached a duty owed to you, it’s likely you can make a claim for personal injury compensation.
An injury caused by faulty equipment may be more straightforward to prove fault; but it is more of a grey area when it comes to repetitive strain injury. When you join your workplace, it’s likely your employer will provide you with details of how to sit correctly and how to avoid injury due to posture. If they do this, it may be difficult to prove they were legally at fault.
If they didn’t, there could be the chance of a claim; especially if you have raised the problem and they haven’t offered a solution, such as new equipment or adequate training.
Should I make a claim?
It seems strange, injuring yourself whilst sitting at your desk; but it can be serious and very painful. If it affects your ability to make a living it can become even more serious. If this has happened to you, always ask the question as you could be eligible for compensation.
This article is brought to you by http://www.firstpersonalinjury.co.uk/