5 Industries Most at Risk for Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive Stress Injuries are a serious issue in the workplace, but did you know that some industries have higher rates than others? 

Let’s find out what those occupations are and what you can do to prevent these types of injuries if you work in one of those fields.

1. Office Workers

It may not seem like office workers would be prone to many injuries compared to some other types of jobs, but there are many hazards that can arise due to the repetitive nature of the work that goes on in many office spaces.

Many people who work in offices are subject to full days sitting in front of a monitor while they type for hours on end. All of these can bring about RSIs. Sitting for long periods of time can cause numerous issues potentially leading to sores and clots. If you have bad posture, then that only exacerbates the stress sitting for long periods can have on the body. 

Staring at a computer screen for extended periods of time is problematic due to the harmful blue light that is emitted from the monitor. If left unchecked, this can cause severe vision problems. 

Typing all day is another factor that puts these employees at risk since the fast, repetitive motion can easily lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. This can leave someone unable to work depending on the severity.

What can Office Workers do?

Despite being at a high risk for RSIs, there are plenty of things office workers can do to prevent these injuries. They can focus on fixing and maintaining good posture in order to prevent any type of back or neck injury. 

They can increase the distance between themselves and their monitor or wear protective glasses that are designed to minimize the effects of blue light. Many of these glasses are quite fashionable as well.

Most importantly, though, is taking frequent breaks in order to let muscles and tendons relax. Constant repetition puts a strain on these, so taking moments to provide relief will cut down on wear and tear.

2. Fashion Positions

When people think of fashion, they may think of the runway models walking and posing down the catwalk. While the intense pressure of that moment may lead to injury, we’re talking about those behind the scenes. These include the tailors and the people who make all the clothes. Their job entails a variety of daily occurrences that can lead to a RSI. 

Sewing fabric is a constant action that is very meticulous, so it needs to be handled with extra care. That attention to detail can lead to a tensing of the muscles in the hands which can easily lead to RISs. Likewise, because they are dealing with people of all different sizes and heights, they are frequently bending themselves into potentially uncomfortable positions. This can lead to repetitive stress injuries in relation to the neck, back and knees.

What can fashion workers do?

Stretching is probably the biggest thing these workers can do given the compromising positions they put themselves in to get the perfect fit for a client. Stretching not only keeps muscles and tendons loose and limber, it also strengthens them and allows time during the day to focus on that one particular task. Taking that time is not only beneficial for physical health but also mental health, which goes a long way toward staying healthy.  

3. Transportation Employees

Even though you may sit with them for a brief period on a given day, these employees work long days in their seats. Sitting for extended periods of time, as mentioned previously, can lead to many health issues. Unlike many office workers, these workers are using their entire lower bodies while sitting. They are constantly flexing their feet to put on the gas and the brakes and depending on the size of the vehicle they are driving, that can create a tremendous amount of added strain. 

This is particularly notable for people who drive large vehicles such as buses. Many of these are manual transmission meaning they have to work the clutch on top of the gas and brake pedals. All of this can lead to ailments such as plantar fasciitis and carpal tunnel from shifting gears all day.

What can Drivers do?

Making sure they are supported is one of the most effective ways in which a driver can alleviate the issues that lead to RSIs. Providing cushions or material that can properly support the neck, back and legs is a vital but simple step. Standing and walking around at various points in the day is also an easy fix and something that breaks up the sedentary nature of the job. Doing this can prevent clots and other serious leg injuries.

4. Retail Workers

This is probably another type of job that doesn’t get enough credit for the hard work they do. On top of dealing with customers all day, they are usually standing in one place for the majority of a shift. Both standing in place and sitting for extended periods of time can be harmful. Any type of stationary position is going to be damaging over the course of a few hours or work day. While standing at a register, many of these workers input keys and swipe items hundreds of times a day which can put a significant strain on the wrists. Likewise, many of these workers have to carry and load heavy objects. They also repeatedly stack items on shelves which can lead to shoulder and arm injuries. 

What can Retail Workers do?

One of the biggest things these workers can do is wear the proper footwear. Having the right shoes can make a world of difference both for how feet feel at the end of the day and for supporting the back. Taking the time and effort necessary to find the correct shoe parameters can make the day go from agonizingly slow to one that goes by with relative ease. 

Another important thing is the need to stay hydrated. It may not seem like physically strenuous work, but between standing all day and moving potentially heavy items, a large strain can be put on the body. That strain can be heightened if the body is dehydrated, and too much strain is what leads to RSI in the first place. 

5. Entertainment Industry

Many of these workers hustle day in and day out just to get by, and the stress of that mixed with what they do for a living can lead to potentially career ending RSIs. The first thing that may come to mind for this type of job is actors, but for the purposes of this article, we’ll focus more on entertainers such as dancers and musicians.

Both use their talents to make beautiful art, and both come with a great deal of physical exertion. It is not uncommon to see either of these types of performers drenched in sweat after a performance due to the physical nature of the job and because they are often under intense lights meant to showcase their talents. 

Dancers undergo years of training and choreography to get their movements perfect which can lead to many injuries, and if a partner or multiple people are involved, that increases the chances of harm exponentially. 

Likewise, a musician practices their entire life which can cause consequential wear and tear of their hands or voices. Eventually, many are left unable to play due to the repetitive nature of concerts, recording sessions and practices.

What can entertainers do?

The biggest thing they can do is get someone who will look out for them. It is easy to be taken advantage of in the entertainment industry, so finding someone who has your best interests at heart can prevent you from getting overexerted from a grueling schedule. Open and safe communication with this person(s) is key to a long and healthy career. 

Even more so than the others, keeping hydrated is crucial for these workers since their occupation is so physically demanding. To prevent any on stage injuries from occurring, they must drink plenty of fluids.

Taking breaks is also key for these workers since their muscles and tendons are often pushed to the limit, so any kind of break is good for maintaining that strength.

Each occupation comes with its own risks for repetitive stress injuries, but taking the necessary steps for your specific job can help make sure you’re able to do it for a long time. If you are injured while performing your job, consider speaking with the qualified experts at Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney, because when it comes to workers’ compensation, they have your back.

---

Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney is Central California’s leading workers’ compensation and social security disability law firm. With over 30 years of successful experience, we are committed to securing maximum benefits for our clients in the Fresno, California area. Schedule a free consultation today.