Although there are plenty of dangerous jobs that involve physical labor like working on a construction site or in the manufacturing industry, these do not make up the entirety of all workers’ compensation claims made in the state of New Jersey or around the United States.
In fact, individuals working in more traditional sitting jobs like working at a desk may also be at risk of filing a workers’ compensation claim if they contract an illness on the job or sustain a job related injury.
True or False: Can I Get Benefits for an Injury from a Desk Job?
It is a myth to believe that you are not eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim if you have sustained an injury on the job, if you work at a desk. In fact, it is your responsibility to report any injuries to your supervisor as soon as possible after they happen.
In the event that you choose not to disclose an incident to your supervisor, you may block yourself from ever receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
This is why it is strongly recommended that you report an injury as soon as possible after it happens, whether or not you intend to file a workers’ compensation claim or not at that time.
You may choose to file a workers’ compensation claim later on, but if do not inform your employer immediately you may be ineligible to receive benefits.
Also Read: What Should I Expect in a New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Case?
Read on to learn more about how desk jobs can actually present danger to employees. Many people think of dangerous working conditions in terms of positions like handling nuclear waste, fishing jobs on the open seas, asbestos removal, or construction sites.
Managing the risk of working in positions like this is part of the day to day balance of running a business in those industries. However, the majority of Americans do not work in these jobs seen as traditionally dangerous.
Approximately, 86% of Americans are employed in a job where they sit up to 40 hours a week. While people in these jobs may be lured into a false sense of security by thinking that they are safe since they are not exposed to a high risk of vehicle accidents or machine related injuries, sitting can do its own damage as well.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can also cause problems for an employee and repetitive stress injuries can make going to work feel impossible. Research has shown, over the past couple of years, that sitting at a desk can be one of the most hazardous things an employee can do to his or her body. The majority of the wrist, back and neck pain in the U.S. today may be associated directly with prolonged sitting.
Repetitive strain injuries, also known as RSIs occur when the body suffers multiple micro-traumas after a repeated movement causes problems. Improper posture is the most common cause of an RSI. One of the worst things that workers do is continue pushing through the pain.
Usually, a worker will get the injury treated temporarily but the same problem will flare up again shortly afterwards because the employee returns to his or her old habits.
For this reason, a diagnosis of an RSI can actually take years of this back and forth treatment. It can also take years to treat an injury like this effectively. This, of course requires that the employee stops engaging in the behavior that caused it to begin with.
Any situation in which an individual sits or repeats the same physical movements over a long period of time can lead to a workers’ compensation claim.
Prolonged sitting can be eradicated by setting a timer each hour to get up and walk around. Many employers are now becoming aware of the dangers of having employees sit all the time.
There are numerous options today, including; standing desks, alternative work stations and ergonomic devices. Micro-break systems in which individuals get up at least once an hour, however, can increase productivity and energy levels while reducing the number of illnesses and injuries affecting employees today are a result of the work environment.
Also Read: The Stages of Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Don’t Wait ! Talk to An Expert New Jersey Workers’ compensation Attorney
In the event that you suffer an RSI on the job, you need to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney in New Jersey to determine whether or not you may have grounds for filing a claim.
You should never ignore an injury that you sustained on the job or an illness that you contracted on the job as it could have a significant implication for your future.
Do not hesitate to reach out to a New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney today to learn more.
Injuries aren’t the only way you can suffer at work. Learn more about occupational illnesses in this blog: https://www.schibelllaw.com/what-need-know-occupational-illnesses/
