Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) may develop when an employee performs the same – or very similar – motions repeatedly over time, causing damage to muscles, tendons and/or nerves. Common examples of RSIs include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and back strain, often occurring in occupations that involve typing, assembly line work or manual labor.
Even though these injuries develop gradually, they are recognized under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law as legitimate work-related injuries that can render affected workers eligible for benefits.
The basics
Repetitive stress injuries do not happen as a result of a single traumatic event. Instead, they develop over time due to the continuous strain placed on certain parts of the body. For example, office workers who spend long hours typing may develop carpal tunnel syndrome in their wrists, while construction workers or warehouse employees may experience back or shoulder injuries due to lifting or repetitive motions.
These injuries can cause chronic pain, emotional stress, trouble sleeping, limited mobility and difficulty performing daily tasks, which may require medical treatment and time away from work. If an RSI impacts a worker’s ability to perform their job, they may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
To receive compensation, an affected worker must prove that their injury is work-related. This can be more challenging for RSIs compared to sudden, traumatic injuries, as RSIs often develop over a longer period and could theoretically be attributed to concerns arising out of the work setting. As such, seeking proper medical and legal assistance as soon as possible is generally wise once a worker recognizes that they are developing an RSI.