When most people think of workers’ compensation claims, they don’t think of office worker injuries. Because office workers typically sit at their desks throughout the day, they are perceived to be at very little risk of injury. Construction worker injuries are expected because working at a construction site seems dangerous.
On the other hand, an office does not seem to be a dangerous work environment. Working at your desk for long hours, however, can pose a significant risk of injury.
Types of Office Worker Injuries
Working in front of a computer for 8 to 10 hours a day can be hazardous to your health. Doing so can cause such injuries as:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome from using a computer keyboard.
- Back and neck injuries from remaining in the same position for long periods of time.
- Eye strain and headaches from staring at a computer monitor for hours at a time.
While office workers do claim injuries related to slip and fall accidents and other types of acute injuries, most office-related workers’ compensation claims are for repetitive trauma injuries. In recent years, more attention has been paid to minimizing these types of office-related injuries. More companies are investing in equipment and office furniture that is considered more ergonomic. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has also gotten involved issuing guidelines and a checklist for how to safely and comfortably work at a computer workstation.
Job-Related Stress Injuries
While not as common as repetitive trauma injuries, there are also office-related workers’ compensation claims for heart attacks, strokes and psychological injuries due to job-related stress. These claims can be particularly difficult to prove, because there can be so many other risk factors for these conditions. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act only requires work to be a “causative factor” in the injury, however.
A knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer can help you determine if your injury is compensable under workers’ compensation law. At Ankin Law, we are experienced in working on a wide variety of workers’ compensation claims. Our attorneys will evaluate your claim and help you get the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
