Delaware employees have the right to apply for workers’ compensation benefits for any injuries that occur while on the job, even when working remotely. Setting up a home office might seem as though it does not pose injury risks, but that may not be the case.
Repetitive motions can lead to a serious condition requiring medical attention, even in a home office. Tasks performed repeatedly while remaining stationary, such as typing and using a mouse, can carry a risk of incurring a repetitive motion injury.
Repetitive motion injury symptoms
Strain placed on the wrists, hands and arms could result in carpal tunnel syndrome. The condition comes from applying too much pressure on the median nerve that travels from the elbow to the palm. Repeated strain on the nerve could also affect the fingers, joints and wrist.
As reported by Fast Company magazine, any weakness, numbness or burning sensation in a hand can alert an employee to the need to see a doctor. If symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome go untreated, an individual could experience permanent nerve damage.
Strain on the eyes, neck and back
Other serious conditions that can occur while performing sedentary office tasks include eye strain, headaches and back pain. Repeated pressure placed on the muscles and nerves during long periods of staring at a computer screen may eventually lead to an injury.
Delaware employees incurring injuries while working remotely can apply for workers’ compensation to cover medical bills, rehabilitation and loss of wages. An employment-related condition that prevents an individual from working may be eligible for benefits to cover their time off for recovery.