Some Georgia jobs are highly dangerous. If you work in construction, on the railroad or as a fire fighter or rescue worker, you are often at risk for injury in the workplace. Electrical work also ranks high on most lists regarding dangerous jobs in America. Proper training and safety equipment can help you stay safe.
Even in an office setting, you can still suffer injury. You might trip over something left in the walkway or fall down a set of slippery stairs. If you travel by vehicle, before, after or during your work day, you could be involved in a workplace collision that results in injury. You may also be at risk for repetitive stress injuries, which often develop slowly, over time.
Symptoms of RSI
Many jobs require you to hold the same posture for long periods of time or to perform the same tasks over and over again. This is particularly true if you work on an assembly line or at a job that involves a lot of typing. The following list includes symptoms that may alert you to an RSI injury:
- If your wrist, fingers or other appendage shows signs of swelling, it might be because of an underlying RSI problem.
- When your foot or hand “falls asleep,” it feels kind of strange. However, if you experience a similar sensation over an extended period of time, you may want to talk to your doctor about it.
- Joint pain or other body aches can be symptomatic of a repetitive stress injury condition.
- Any limb that has a red patch or feels hot to the touch definitely warrants medical attention.
- Throbbing pains can also be a sign of RSI.
The bottom line is that, if you experience any type of symptom, it’s always best to make an appointment with your doctor rather than disregard what your body might be trying to tell you. RSI is typically a chronic condition. In its worst forms, it can render you unable to return to work.
Types of RSI
There are numerous types of repetitive stress injuries that can cause you pain and discomfort or impede your ability to do your job. The following list shows the most common kinds of RSI:
- Tendinitis, which is inflammation of the tendons, can be quite painful and can make it difficult to carry out even the most basic daily tasks.
- Bursitis is also inflammation, typically in a knee, elbow or shoulder.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome afflicts many people who perform repetitive motions with their hands. This condition can cause debilitating pain in the thumb or wrist areas.
If a doctor diagnoses you with an RSI, he or she might also prescribe medication to help alleviate pain. You might have to wear a wrist brace or other medical device to help you isolate the injured area and prevent further injury. If you believe you contracted the condition in the workplace, it’s critical that you report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.
Workers’ compensation
Most Georgia employers purchase workers’ compensation insurance to help pay medical bills or replace lost wages if you suffer injury on the job. If you work on the railroad, you do not get workers’ comp benefits but can file an injury claim through the Federal Employers’ Liability Act if employer negligence was a causal factor to your RSI.
