Work-related injuries involving muscle, joint and ligament damage caused over a period of time are a common problem in the workplace.
Broadly speaking they fall into two categories:
- Vibration injuries – relating to the use of vibrating tools or machinery
- Repetitive strain injuries – relating to repetitive movements and overuse
Vibration Injuries
Vibration injuries in the workplace generally result from the use of hand-held power tools which can result in a number of painful and detrimental symptoms relating to the blood vessels, nerves and joints.
Find out more about the specific injuries below:
Sadly, once the damage is done vibration injuries are permanent, but it is likely that they were preventable. Employers have a duty to protect workers who must use vibrating tools or machinery as part of their every-day work and there are laws and regulations in place which must be adhered to. If these rules have been ignored and injuries sustained, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
To find out more about making a claim for work-related vibration injuries such as HAVS and VWF contact the personal injury lawyers at Thompsons in Scotland today.
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Also commonly known as RSI and WRULDs (work-related upper limb disorders) industrial strain injuries occur when repetitive movements cause damage to the tendons, ligaments and muscles.
Most commonly, such injuries occur in the upper body but they can also occur in the knees and feet.
Common examples of repetitive strain injuries and work-related limb disorders include:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Carpet Fitter's or Housemaid's Knee
- Dupuytren's Contracture
- Epicondylitis (Golfer's and Tennis Elbow)
- Work-related Tendonitis
Work related strain injuries are generally caused by the way in which work is organised. Employers have a duty to minimise the risk of workers developing, or further aggravating, such conditions. Risk assessments of the work environment must be carried out, and the appropriate safety information must be made available.
If these precautions have not been put in place fully, and you have suffered the painful consequences of repetitive strain, then you should talk to Thompsons about making a personal injury compensation claim.
Claims for Industrial Vibration and Strain Injuries
If your working conditions have caused you to develop an injury – or made an existing condition worse – you may be entitled to occupational injury compensation.
When you contact Thompsons Solicitors, you can rest assured that our experienced industrial injury lawyers will handle your case with the utmost care and consideration, providing you with honest, straightforward advice.
Beginning with an initial no-obligation phone call, we will explain the process of making a claim and inform you about what you would need to do next.
So, call us today on 0800 0891 331 and take your first step towards obtaining compensation.