Every industry has its share of occupational risks and hazards. One of the most common, yet debilitating, injuries you can sustain at work is an injury to the shoulders.
Like most work-related injuries, shoulder injuries can diminish your movement and ability to work. If you sustain shoulder injuries at work or while advancing your employer’s interests, you may be eligible for financial restitution through a workers’ compensation program.
How do shoulder injuries happen at work?
To better explain how shoulder injuries happen at work, it helps to start by understanding the anatomy of the shoulder. Basically, the shoulder is made up of three bones: the clavicle (collarbone), the scapula (shoulder blade) and the upper arm bone (humerus). These bones are joined by muscles, ligaments and tendons that enable the shoulder joint to move.
Here are two work-related activities that can result in injuries to the shoulders:
Lifting and pushing heavy objects – A worker generally relies on the power of the shoulder to lift, push or pull heavy objects. Repetitive lifting, pulling and pushing, especially in warehouses and construction sites can result in the wearing and tearing of the tendons and ligaments that connect the shoulder joints. Consequently, this may result in tendonitis or rotator cuff injuries.
Uncomfortable work posture – Some jobs like roofing and painting require workers to work in tight spaces or overhead positions. Working in these positions for extended periods can exert excessive pressure on the shoulder tendons and muscles resulting in chronic shoulder pain.
A shoulder injury can leave you with excruciating pain. Depending on the severity, you may require several hours of therapy to recover. And this costs money. Learning more about Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws can help you pursue the benefits you are entitled to if you sustain shoulder injuries at work.