One of the most common occupational hazards is shoulder injuries. While OSHA has a detailed set of guidelines to help prevent these kinds of injuries, many workers continue to suffer from should injuries caused by their job duties. Employees who work long hours using repetitive arm movements are at high risk of sustaining a shoulder injury. In this bog, we explain some of the common types of work-related shoulder injuries among American workers.
Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cup stabilizes a person’s shoulder and is made up of muscles and tendons. These muscles and tendons help to lift and rotate a person’s arm. This kind of injury can be very painful and makes completing daily activities extremely difficult.
Impingement
This happens when the tendons and muscles of the rotator cuff become irritated and inflamed as they pass through the subacromial space. Impingement is commonly found in workers who have to use their hands above shoulder level to perform their job duties. Aside from pain, this kind of shoulder injury sometimes results in permanent loss of movement at the shoulder.
Shoulder Fractures & Trauma
The shoulder is composed of three main bones: the scapula, the clavicle, and the humerus. There are also three joints in the shoulder: the glenohumeral joint, the acromioclavicular joint, and the sternoclavicular joint. Fractures, dislocations, and soft-tissue injuries are common in these areas of the shoulder. Workplace falls commonly cause shoulder fractures and trauma.
What Should I do If I Injured My Shoulder at Work?
After you have sustained a shoulder injury at work, you should immediately report the injury to your employer in writing. Make sure to give them all of details leading up to your injury. After that, promptly get medical attention from your employer’s authorized provider. After you’ve completed these two things, you should consult with an attorney to help you complete your workers’ compensation claim.
Need help getting compensation for your work-related shoulder injury? Contact our Glendale team of workers’ compensation attorneys to get started on your free consultation today.
