Almost all employees in the United States are covered by some form of workers’ compensation insurance, because any worker can sustain an on-the-job injury. Office workers are no exception. Working in an office may not be as dangerous as some high-risk roles and may seem comfortable in comparison, but white-collar employees have their own occupational risks.
Repetitive Trauma Injuries
One of the most significant risks of working in an office is repetitive trauma injuries. Repetitive trauma injuries, also known as cumulative trauma, cumulative strain, or repetitive strain injuries, are “wear and tear” conditions which are caused by repeated motion. Office workers are especially susceptible to repetitive trauma injuries because of long hours spent typing or engaging in other repetitive motion tasks. These tasks can contribute to stress on the muscles and bones, resulting in conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. Office workers may also suffer from chronic pain due to sitting for extended periods of time, or vision issues caused by the continuous use of computer screens.
Occupational Illness and Toxic Exposure
Another common on-the-job risk for office workers is occupational illnesses and toxic exposure. Office buildings, especially those that are older, may contain hazardous substances such as asbestos. Exposure to environmental contaminants over time can cause conditions such as cancer, respiratory illness, or skin diseases.
Other Common Office Job Injuries
The types of jobs performed in offices vary widely, and the risks of office jobs do too. Office workers may travel often for work, which can lead to injuries outside of the office environment, such as car accidents. If you were injured while working in another location or traveling for work, you may still be eligible for a workers’ compensation claim.
People who work in offices may be susceptible to injuries such as:
- Slip and fall injuries
- Heavy lifting injuries
- Car accidents in company vehicles
- Burns
- Electrocution
Contact the attorneys of Smolich and Smolich to learn about your rights during the workers’ compensation claims process. We are available to discuss the details of your claim, and how our legal team can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Complete our contact form or call (916) 571-0400 to reach our firm and schedule a free consultation with our team of lawyers.