Ergonomics is an applied science of designing and arranging things people use at work; such as work spaces, controls, displays, tools, lighting, and equipment, to promote each individual employee’s safety and efficiency and reduce injuries caused by rapid movements. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which put the first ergonomic regulation into effect in 1997, ergonomics helps lessen muscle fatigue and reduce the number and severity of work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), including Carpal tunnel syndrome, Tendinitis, Rotator cuff injuries, Epicondylitis, trigger finger, muscle strains, and lower back injuries.
With about 1/3 of the 1.1 million+ worker injuries each year being attributed to MSDs, every little bit helps, right? Not only does it help, but ergonomic implementation is required in the state of California under Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations when an employers has at least two employees complain of a work-related injury that was predominantly caused by a repetitive task and diagnosed by a licensed physician. If you’ve been injured on the job and your employer refuses to help, reach out to a skilled workplace injury lawyer in Los Angeles.
Of the MSDs that employees suffer, Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most widely-known. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve in the passageway of ligament and bones from the base of the hand becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The injured may feel pain, weakness, and numbness in the hand, wrist, and up the arm. Unfortunately, the symptoms start gradually and often at night reducing employees’ ability to take action to seek help or prevent further damage. When left untreated, an individual may lose the ability to grip, distinguish between hot and cold, and maintain muscles in some of their fingers.
The most important thing to remember is that early diagnosis and treatment are critical to avoid permanent damage. Contact your doctor and notify your employer as soon as you start to feel any symptoms. Better yet, notify your employer before you experience symptoms if you work in a role where you are performing repetitive tasks or feeling any symptoms of muscle fatigue or pain after a day in the office. If your employer refuses to respond to your requests for support and at least one other colleague is voicing similar concerns, your employer could be violating the law and you should take action to prevent further injury to yourself and others. There is legal help. You can file an anonymous safety complaint for your workplace through OSHA at: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/Complaint.htm and/or reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer to assist you.
The aggressive trial lawyers at BIKLAW understand the law and your rights. Whether you were injured on the job, while in a car accident, or as a result of a third party’s negligence, contact them today to learn about your potential for financial recovery.