Chicago Workers Compensation Lawyer Blog

While spending hours on the computer at work may seem like a harmless, danger-free activity, people who sit in front of a monitor while their fingers press they keyboard or click the mouse can lead to cumulative, painful, debilitating injuries if they are not careful. Back pain, neck soreness, tingling up and down the arms, finger cramps, spinal disc injuries, shoulder soreness, tennis elbow, repetitive strain, and carpal tunnel syndrome are just some of the injuries that an office worker or anyone else who uses a computer can sustain.

Our Chicago, Illinois workers’ compensation lawyers would like to remind you to submit your work injury claim immediately anytime that you are injured on the job. Even if the injury is one that developed cumulatively, it is best to file your claim right away to prevent delays or give your employer’s insurer a reason to deny your claim or give you fewer benefits than what you are entitled to receive.

A Few Steps to Prevent Injuries When Using a Computer:

• Make sure your monitor is high enough that it at eye level in front of you.
• Don’t have it more than 30 inches away from you.
• Place your mouse close enough to your body that you don’t have to overreach.
• Make sure that your elbows are properly supported.
• When typing make sure that your forearms and upper arms are positioned at a 90 degree angle.
• If you are going to type while talking on the phone, use a headset.
• Consider using a padded wrist rest for your hand that holds the mouse.
• Make sure you use a chair that provides enough lumbar support.
• Keep your thighs parallel to the floor, knees and hips at the same level, and feet flat on the ground.

5 steps to keep you comfortable at your computer, Gloucester Times, February 19, 2010

Computer Workstation Ergonomics, CDC

Related Web Resources:
Office Ergonomics-Common Office Injuries, Web MD

Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission

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A BNSF Railway Company worker is suing his employer for work-related injuries. Kenneth D. Johnson is seeking over 100,000 plus costs.

Johnson says he began working for the railroad as a machinist on August 9, 1968. His duties included installing and taking off turbo screens on locomotives, installing inertial filters, working with pipe engines, changing oil coolers, working on train engines, and sitting hatches.

Johnson says that due to the repetitive strain and stress of his work and the kind of tasks that he had to perform, he sustained permanent and serious injuries. He also suffered shoulder pain, shoulder deterioration, permanent disfigurement, and permanent disability. Johnson is claiming pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and the inability to live a normal life.

Johnson is accusing BNSF of negligence, including their failures to provide him with the proper work tools, give him enough space to do his job, provide him a safe area to work, and adequately take care of employees’ safety. Johnson says that BNSF gave him improper equipment to do his job and required that he work in physical positions that made him susceptible to injury.

Contrary to popular belief, Illinois train accidents and railroad blasts are not the only causes of serious injuries to railroad workers. Many railroad injuries are cumulative, causing the worker's condition to deteriorate over a number of years until he/she has been rendered permanently disabled. Repetitive strain, soft tissue injuries, back injuries, shoulder injuries, and illnesses from exposure to toxic substances and solvents are some of the more common railroad worker injuries.

After years of service as a railroad worker, it is devastating to find out that you were permanently injured because you were doing your job. Fortunately, the Federal Employee Liability Act allows workers to obtain damages for medical costs, pain and suffering, lost income, therapy, rehabilitation, and other related damages.

Veteran machinist claims repetitive trauma in suit against BNSF, Madison Record, January 22, 2010

Related Web Resources:
BNSF

Repetitive Strain Injuries, Los Angeles Times

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