Most of the media images we see of workplace injuries and workers’ compensation payments meant to support the injured workers, involve manual labor jobs. Workers who get injured in accidents at physically demanding jobs that require the use of potentially dangerous machines do, in fact, account for many workers’ compensation cases. This is especially so in the area around St. Louis, Missouri, where agriculture, construction, and truck driving are such important parts of the economy. Just because your job does not require you to climb ladders or ride tractors, though, it does not mean that your risk of workplace injuries is zero. Office workers can and do get injured at work. Some of the illnesses and injuries that make up the biggest occupational hazards for office workers happen gradually, though, so it may require the help of a personal injury lawyer to show how the hazards of your workplace are responsible for your ill health.
Sedentary Jobs Increase the Risk of Many Chronic Illnesses
While jobs that require you to sit in an office cubicle all day enable you to avoid the risks associated with manual labor and operating heavy machinery, sitting at a computer desk all day long carries its own set of health hazards. Here are some examples of illnesses and injuries related to working a sedentary job in an office.
- Lack of exercise increases the risk of obesity, but it may not be the only reason office workers are at high risk of unhealthy weight gain. Workers whose jobs demand that they spend long hours sitting at a desk are less likely to have time for the shopping and cooking required for a healthy diet, especially if their employers expect them to respond to work emails during their work hours.
- Sitting at a desk for long hours every day makes it difficult to maintain proper posture. Chronic back and neck pain are common among office workers.
- Spending many hours a day typing on a computer can lead to arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Looking at a computer screen for long periods of time is hard on your eyes and brain. Over time, it can negatively affect your vision and cause frequent headaches. Some migraine sufferers find that their symptoms are worse when they have to use computers extensively at work.
- The emotional stress of working in an office can be a lot. Workplace stress can lead to clinical anxiety or depression. Even in workers who do not have clinical anxiety or depression, the emotional stress of their office work environment can make their physical illnesses worse.
Are Workplace Office Hazards Grounds for a Workers’ Compensation Lawsuit?
Most workers’ compensation settlements are paid to workers injured in accidents at work. Workers who become ill because of the occupational hazards specific to their jobs have also received workers’ compensation settlements. If your office job has harmed your health to the point that you can no longer work, it is worthwhile to consult a personal injury attorney.
Contact Walton Telken, LLC About Workers’ Compensation Cases
Workplace injuries can happen in almost any injury; if you were injured at work, you may be entitled to a workers’ compensation settlement. Contact Walton Telken, LLC in the St. Louis area to discuss your case.
