RMIs affect nearly 1.8 million workers per year.

Preventing Repetitive Motion Injuries

While repetitive motion injuries (RMIs) are common among athletes, these injuries can occur in the workplace. Also known as repetitive stress injuries or cumulative trauma disorders, RMIs impact a broad range of occupations, including jobs that require heavy lifting and stationary office roles.

RMIs occur when continuous physical stress from daily tasks damages nerves, tendons or muscles quicker than the body can heal from such stress.

Employees may be at greater risk of experiencing RMIs on the job if they:

• Maintain static or awkward postures for long periods of time.
• Lift or carry heavy objects.
• Use equipment that vibrates (e.g., power tools).
• Work in cold temperatures.
• Conduct repetitive movements using muscles, joints or ligaments.
• Work in high-stress environments.

RMIs can cause several conditions, including tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis and rotator cuff injuries. To read the rest of this article, click here.