Maritime work often involves repetitive tasks that could lead to severe injuries. These injuries, caused by persistent stress on specific body parts, could significantly impact your health and career.
What are common repetitive movement injuries?
Repetitive movement injuries are a common concern in the maritime industry. They occur when you repeatedly perform the same tasks, placing stress on specific body parts. This stress may accumulate over time, resulting in strains, sprains and joint damage.
Common repetitive movement injuries may include:
Tendinitis
Tendinitis occurs when tendons, which attach muscles to bones, experience irritation or inflammation.
Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of tiny, fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushions between bones, tendons, and muscles near joints.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This condition may cause your hand and arm to get numb, tingle, and become weak due to pressure on the median nerve in the wrist.
Neck pain
Neck pain is discomfort in any neck structures. These may include muscles, nerves, bones, and the discs between the bones.
Nerve damage
Injuries or destruction to nerves cause nerve damage or neuropathy. This leads to numbness, weakness, or pain, typically in the hands and feet.
Soft tissue damage
Soft tissue damage refers to injuries affecting the body’s muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues.
Joint damage
Joint damage refers to deterioration or injury to the structures that form a joint, including cartilage, bones, ligaments, and synovial membrane.
It is important to note that persistent stress may impact any part of your body.
How can you prevent repetitive movement injuries?
While repetitive tasks are often unavoidable in maritime work, there are strategies you can employ to minimize your risk of injury. Consider the following:
- Take regular breaks: Step away from repetitive tasks periodically to give your body a chance to recover.
- Stretch and exercise: Incorporate stretching and strengthening exercises into your routine to improve flexibility and build resilience.
- Use proper techniques: Learn and apply the correct methods for lifting, carrying and performing other repetitive tasks.
- Rotate tasks: If possible, alternate between different tasks to vary your body’s movements.
If you suffer from repetitive movement injuries, it is essential to remember that you have rights. Consider consulting an experienced attorney. They may help you understand your legal options.
