Labor-intensive industries like construction or working in a factory get all the attention when it comes to work-related injuries in New Jersey, but the office also carries quite a significant amount of risks. The injuries may be different but can still cause deformities, pain and long-term health problems.
Repetitive stress injuries
Overuse injuries occur when the same motion is repeated over and over again, often causing inflammation of the tendons, muscles and joints. The most common type of repetitive stress injury in the office is carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects workers who spend a lot of time typing on a keyboard. Other examples include tendonitis and bursitis.
Slips, trips and falls
Wet floors, loose carpeting and cluttered walkways are just some of the hazards that can lead to slips, trips and falls in the office. These accidents can cause serious injuries like broken bones and concussions.
Ergonomic injuries
Poor posture, incorrect seating position and inadequate lighting can all lead to ergonomic injuries. Their symptoms include back pain, neck pain, headaches and eye strain.
What to do when injured in New Jersey
Your health is always the top priority after an accident; therefore, it’s critical to seek medical help as soon as possible. If it is an emergency situation like a bad fall, you may not have the chance to tell your supervisor or employer about the injury before seeing a doctor. However, in other situations, it’s essential to inform your employer about the injury as soon as possible. They may direct you on how to get the medical attention that you need.
If there are protocols that your employer needs you to follow, like filing out paperwork or getting approval for time off, make sure to do so. These steps are important to protect your legal rights when filing a workers’ compensation claim or taking other legal action.
Finally, consider being proactive about your recovery and return to work. If your injury is preventing you from doing your normal job duties, ask if there are any modified duty assignments or light duty options that would allow you to continue working while you heal. Staying at home on workers’ compensation can lead to financial problems and may make it harder to get back to work when you’re ready.
All workers in New Jersey are protected by law against injuries. Employers who don’t have workers’ compensation insurance must get approval for self-insurance.