Office Jobs and Worker Injuries

While many people understand the workplace risks of truck drivers, manufacturing facilities, and any job with heavy equipment, they may overlook office workers. Office environments might seem safe, but employees in these spaces face a range of potential injuries that can impact their health.

The family law firm of Flaxman Law Group has worked with many office workers who have been severely injured or have sustained an occupational illness. If you ever find yourself in this situation, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free, compassionate, and confidential case review so you can discuss your situation with someone who can tell you whether you have a claim or are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

Common Office Job Injuries in Florida

In Miami, Homestead, Hollywood, and across the state there are office workers in libraries, government facilities, and in many industries. These workers may be vulnerable to:

• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Prolonged computer use can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, and other RSIs, affecting wrists, hands, and arms due to poor posture and excessive typing.
• Back and Neck Pain: Poor ergonomics, like improper chair and desk setup, can contribute to chronic, debilitating back and neck pain.
• Eye Strain: Constant screen exposure can lead to digital eye strain, causing discomfort, dryness, and eye fatigue.
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Cluttered walkways, uneven flooring, loose cables, poor lighting, and other issues can result in falls, causing injuries ranging from sprains to fractures.
• Electrical Accidents: Faulty wiring or improper use of electrical equipment can lead to shocks and burns.
• Violence: Unfortunately, administrative staff and other office workers sometimes face the brunt of upset customers, and assault can cause serious injuries when these situations spiral out of control.
• Mental Health Issues: High workloads, tight deadlines, and long hours in the office can contribute to stress, anxiety, and even depression.

What Should I Do If I’m Injured at My Office Job?

Here are the steps you’ll want to take.

• Report the Incident: Immediately report any injuries, no matter how minor, to your supervisor or HR department. This helps establish a record of the incident.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even seemingly minor injuries can escalate if left untreated, so seek medical attention promptly. Don’t try to guess whether your injury is “serious enough” for medical care. Get checked out.
• Document Everything: Maintain a record of the incident, including details like time, date, location, and witnesses. You may need this information if you file a workers’ compensation claim.
• File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: If the injury occurred as a result of your work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Consult your HR department and consider seeking legal advice to navigate the claims process.
• Follow Medical and Rehabilitation Recommendations: If your injury requires rehabilitation or treatment, diligently follow the prescribed plan to aid your recovery.
• Advocate for Workplace Changes: Adjustable chairs, ergonomic keyboards, and regular breaks to reduce strain. If your injury was preventable, seek workplace changes to prevent future injuries.
• Learn About Safety: Attend safety training sessions and be aware of evacuation routes and emergency procedures. If your workplace doesn’t offer safety training, look for resources online that can help you stay safer in the workplace. The Florida Chamber Safety Council has free resources for employees and workplaces.

Office job injuries might not always be visible, but their impact can be profound. If you’ve been injured at your office job, call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 to speak to a live person who can schedule a free, no obligation consultation with a Florida workers’ compensation attorney who can answer your questions. Or contact us online to reach our Miami, Homestead, and Hollywood offices to set up your free accident consultation. Our compassionate family law firm and father-son lawyer team are here to help when you’ve been injured.