Repetitive Motion Musculoskeletal Disorders

Repetitive motion injuries among beef and pork processing workers is nearly seven times that of other industries according to the Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The frenetic pace of work in many meat processing plants can easily cause a set of chronic ailments called musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs, an array of injuries to workers’ muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves, that cause sprains, strains, or inflammation.

Des Moines Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Lawyer

Chief among the injuries are abnormal nerve conditions that develop in the hands, but many workers commonly struggle with chronic arm, shoulder and back ailments. Musculoskeletal disorders can lead to a lifetime of pain and physical problems, which can sometimes lead to an inability to work.

Iowa Repetitive Strain Work Injury

Many workdays in various U.S. industries, such as meat packing and processing, manufacturing, and construction, are lost because of musculoskeletal disorders. Overexertion, a type of MSD, is the leading cause of work injuries. Common workplace risk factors affect various areas of the body:

• Neck – MSDs of the neck can be caused by repetitive or sustained awkward neck postures, lifting, or forceful exertion.
• Lower Back – Heavy lifting, repetitive lifting, forceful exertion, reaching, stooping, and long periods of standing can lead to lower back pain and MSDs of the lower back.
• Shoulder – Strenuous labor, pushing, pulling, and the use of certain power tools can lead to MSDs of the shoulder.
• Wrist/Elbow/Forearm – Repetitive motion, prolonged use of a computer mouse, forceful exertion, and prolonged gripping can result in various types of MSD, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Lower Limb – Kneeling, squatting, repetitive stair climbing, and heavy lifting can lead to MSDs of the hips, legs, knees, ankles, and feet.

Des Moines Injury Lawyer

​If you are suffering from a musculoskeletal disorder caused by a workplace activities, you may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits. It is important to contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney with thorough knowledge of MSDs or repetitive strain injuries to ensure that you receive the benefits you need. Contact the Law Offices of John T. Hemminger for help with your workers’ compensation claim today 515-283-2116.