Everyone deserves to work in a safe environment, but some jobs are inherently riskier than others. For example, many workers in New Jersey develop job-related musculoskeletal disorders, otherwise known as MSDs. These are disorders of bones, muscles, nerves or tendons. If you have an MSD, it can reduce your quality of life and prevent you from getting back to work.
In 2013, 33% of workplace injuries were of the musculoskeletal variety. MSDs prevented people from working for an average of eight days per employee in 2001, but some injuries took people away from work for more extended periods. In those cases, workers might be entitled to compensation.
Common tasks cause MSDs
Your work environment is more likely to cause an MSD if it regularly includes certain activities. These include the following:
- Climbing
- Twisting
- Reaching, especially overhead
- Bending
- Crawling
- Performing repetitive movement
- Overexerting yourself
Each of the above activities can strain your musculoskeletal system. Sometimes, it takes quite a while before someone notices the effects of these activities. Though an MSD can occur quickly in extreme situations, these disorders often develop over the course of years. By the time they become symptomatic, treatment options might be limited.
Many jobs create risk of MSDs
Activities that cause MSDs are widespread. Construction, warehouse work, nursing and cleaning are largely composed of such stressors. MSDs can also arise during less obvious forms of work, like programming. Even when a job doesn’t seem physically taxing, it can take a toll on the body. In the case of desk jobs, constant typing can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
If you’ve sustained a musculoskeletal injury on the job, you might feel unsure about what to do next. Speaking to an attorney with experience in workers’ compensation cases might help you figure out your next steps.