Musculoskeletal Injuries

Musculoskeletal Injuries refers to the damage of one’s skeletal or muscular system due to strenuous work. Some of these injuries include Tendonitis, Bursitis, Tennis elbow and syndrome of the Carpal tunnel. They can happen to people working in the agriculture sector if:

• They overload muscles
• Fixed positions are maintained.
• A lot of pressure is applies to body parts.
• The movement is mostly forceful.
• Repetitive limb movement takes place.
• Great speed is maintained with repetition of work.

The symptoms vary depending on the individuals. The initial stage includes fatigue which usually goes away with the rest. The second stage comprises of regular fatigue a feeling which doesn’t go with the rest which leads to lesser productivity. The final stage is the most severe with the increased inability to even perform the routine tasks. There are a lot of symptoms of Musculoskeletal Injuries which include numbness, feeling of tiredness, swelling and tingling in affected area. There can be multiple symptoms due to multiple Musculoskeletal Injuries in various parts of the body of the worker. These injuries may also include neck, back, shoulder, and legs pain. These injuries can be avoided to a great extent at work by:

• Keeping away from loan periods of repetitive work. The work should be done with proper gaps in between.
• Carrying and lifting techniques should be used and the weight more then 30% percent of the body weight should be carried.
• Employer can be made to provide you with weight carrying and lifting training.

A substantial price has to be paid for such an injury by the employee, and the employer. Musculoskeletal Injuries carry an indirect and direct cost. The indirect cost is a lot higher than direct costs and comprises of accelerated turnover and absenteeism with the disturbance in employee’s life. Direct costs consist of compensation in the form of medical services and insurance premium. The public image of firm can also get damaged to a large extent. The healing period of these injuries can be shortened by medical aid like physiotherapy. In the Healing period, muscle atrophy which is cast induced can occur. The affected part becomes totally immobile at this time of healing. Other ways like electrical stimulation can also provide strength to muscles and limbs. A device is placed under the patient’s cast in case of electrical stimulation. The claim can made easily with the help of legal advice.