Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist*
AS AUTHORIZED BY THE PA SUPREME COURT

Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist*
AS AUTHORIZED BY THE PA SUPREME COURT

Repetitive motion injuries often require modified job duties

Workers in just about any industry could develop repetitive motion injuries if they continue working the same job long enough. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a perfect example. An office worker who types all day, a factory worker who holds tools all day and a delivery driver are all at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome because of their job. 

Any worker who does the same task for extended amounts of time may damage the body parts required to perform their work functions. These workers can qualify for workers’ compensation benefits to help cover their medical treatment costs and lost wages. 

They can also request modified job duties from their employers and may need such accommodations to continue working. 

Continuing the same work could make the injury worse

If you continue using your body parts in the same way for many more years, not only will your current symptoms likely persist, but the condition is likely to get worse. Your employer may need to accommodate you by changing what tasks they have you perform. Modified job tasks are a common part of a workers’ compensation claim. 

Moving you to a different department or providing you with assistive technology could also be means of keeping you with the company while reducing the strain on your body associated with your job performance. Provided that such recommendations come in the form of written medical orders from a doctor, your employer should try to work with you to change your job responsibilities and accommodate your injury. 

Knowing your rights and acknowledging your limitations during a worker’s compensation claim related to a repetitive motion injury will improve your chances of staying on the job and fully recovering.