When your California job involves performing the same or similar tasks over and over again, you face a heightened risk of suffering repetitive motion injuries. Work-related repetitive motion injuries and musculoskeletal disorders are among the most common reasons American workers miss work. They also cost American employers a considerable sum in workers’ compensation costs each year.
According to OHS Online, musculoskeletal disorders account for more than 30% of all American worker injuries.
Recognizing the high cost of repetitive motion injuries
Research shows that repetitive motion injuries and musculoskeletal disorders cost U.S. employers an estimated $80 billion per year. They also require about 23 days of recovery per employee. The most common repetitive motion injury in America is carpal tunnel syndrome. It impacts more than 8 million Americans each year. About 120,000 of those carpal tunnel cases are severe enough to warrant surgery to relieve symptoms.
Preventing repetitive motion injuries
To help reduce the number of repetitive motion injuries and musculoskeletal disorders suffered by their workforces, some employers are prioritizing ergonomics. In manufacturing settings, some employers are investing in ergonomic gloves that help protect their workers’ hands when performing repetitive tasks. For many workers on assembly lines, the type of glove used plays a major role in reducing repetitive injury risks. Gloves that receive ergonomic certifications also have to go through an extensive testing process to do so.
Making ergonomic changes within your work environment may help reduce your chances of carpal tunnel or a similar repetitive motion injury. Swapping out your work gloves for more ergonomic models or modifying your computer desk chair are among the efforts that may help reduce injury risks.
