Most people understand that factory work is dangerous. However, they might underestimate how many kinds of danger workers face. Often, employees focus on obvious risk factors, like caustic chemicals and heavy machinery. They may not consider more banal risks that stem from their day-to-day job responsibilities.
A worker doesn’t have to make a major mistake on the job to be at risk of a career-ending injury. Sometimes, diligently performing work responsibilities for multiple years can be enough to affect someone’s health. Working in a factory puts an incredible degree of strain on the human body and could potentially result in a repetitive strain injury.
Repetitive job functions damage the body
The human body is not a machine, and even machines break down after performing the same function consistently for years on end. Needing to constantly lift, twist or move parts on a production line often means performing the same functions several times a minute for eight hours or more per shift.
People develop minor injuries when they strain their bodies. Repetitively putting the body through the same strain over and over can cause significant damage. Factory workers who have to grip tools or parts could develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Those that lift and turn might develop back injuries.
Repetitive strain injuries often require a change in job functions and a period of rest before the body can recover. Workers who experience pain and diminished strength because of repetitive job functions may need to file workers’ compensation claims.
How workers’ compensation can help
Someone who has secured workers’ compensation benefits can potentially take necessary medical leave from work while receiving wage replacement benefits through workers’ compensation disability. They can also connect with treatment through workers’ compensation medical coverage.
Additionally, once they notify their employer of their condition, they have a better chance of negotiating appropriate workplace accommodations when the employer is aware of how their job has affected their health. Instead of simply trying to power through another painful shift, workers who recognize that their repetitive job functions have damaged their bodies may benefit from seeing a doctor to obtain a diagnosis.
Connecting painful symptoms to job functions might be the first step toward correcting the damage caused by working in a factory for years and receiving compensation that will cover the costs of treatment, etc.