You lift, carry and walk on your feet more than eight hours a day, and you are starting to feel the effects. Working in the warehouse is a good job and so is the pay, but your body can only hold out for so long.
Working on your feet for long periods every day causes stress on your joints, ligaments, tendons and other musculoskeletal areas. And if you have minimal downtime, these injuries can worsen over time making the need for your use of workers’ compensation a necessity.
The musculoskeletal system
The musculoskeletal system is a combination of muscle and skeletal areas that work together to provide the movement and support of your body. These areas include muscles, bones and joints, such as tendons and ligaments. Hours of repetitive movement – lifting and carrying boxes or equipment – put stress on the joints causing severe pain.
Types of injuries
Musculoskeletal injuries range from short-term problems to lifelong conditions. Some conditions include the following:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Ruptured/herniated disc
- Arthritis
- Tendinitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Back and neck pain
Injuries can affect your legs, feet, knees, back, neck and other areas of your body. When you have an injury, the joints can swell, causing a limited range of motion. There may also be pain, weakness and stiffness.
Musculoskeletal disorders and workers’ compensation
These disorders are among the most common in the workplace. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2016, back injuries alone were the most prominent disorder–related cases with over 38% resulting in days away from work.
Missouri’s workers’ compensation insurance will cover most musculoskeletal injuries. The injury must have occurred in the course of employment, and it must meet the standard being the “prevailing factor” in the cause of the medical condition and disability. You must report our injury to your employer within 30 days, or you may jeopardize your ability to receive benefits.