Workers Comp Benefits for Repetitive Strain Injuries in India

Repetitive motion or strain injuries refer to a musculoskeletal disorder that arises due to the repeated and prolonged use of certain body parts, often involving repetitive movements or poor ergonomic practices.

These injuries commonly affect areas like the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders and back. They result from continuous strain on muscles, tendons and nerves, leading to pain, inflammation and decreased mobility.

Various repetitive motion injuries may arise due to continuous or repetitive work. The injuries generally depend on the type of movement the worker or employee conducts while doing their job. Below are some of the eligible RSI for compensation:

Trigger Finger

This is a medical condition that generally occurs because of the overuse of the flexor tendon in the hand. It causes the affected finger to bend or straighten.

Tendonitis

This is an irritation or inflammation of a tendon, the fibrous cords that connect muscle to bone. This condition is typically caused by repetitive motion, overuse, or injury to a tendon, resulting in pain, swelling and limited movement in the affected area.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

When there is repetitive or continuous hand movement, the median nerve can be compressed. Due to this, there is pain or inflammation in the nerve joint.

Tennis Elbow

It is a common overuse injury that causes pain and inflammation on the outside of the elbow, where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the lateral epicondyle.

Insufficient Breaks

One common reason for repetitive strain or motion injury is insufficient breaks during working hours. When you take time throughout the day to rest the tendons or muscles, you provide them with an opportunity to recover.

Underlying Health Condition

If a worker has an underlying health condition, they are more susceptible to repetitive motion injuries. These conditions include joint instability, nerve problems, metabolic issues and musculoskeletal disorders.

Poor Ergonomics in the Office

When employees do not have an ergonomic work setup, such as a lack of lumbar support, it could result in back pain.

Many occupations or jobs are at risk for repetitive motion injuries.

• Professional Athletes

• Bus drivers

• Firefighters

• Delivery workers

• Meat or agriculture processing workers

• Stock or grocery clerks

• Pipefitters or plumbers

• Musicians

• Nurses and health care aides

• Housekeeping cleaners

In India, the Workmen’s Compensation Act of 1923 governs the policy, which provides protection for workers who sustain injuries, including repetitive motion injuries, during the course of their employment.

The Act mandates that employers provide compensation to workers who are injured, disabled, or die in the workplace, including from repetitive strain or overuse injuries.

However, for workers comp for repetitive motion injuries, a thorough medical examination is crucial to establish a connection between job duties and injury. The medical records maintained by a doctor or physician will be a primary source of evidence when filing for workers comp benefits.

Medical reports will help determine the cause based on the nature of the injury. For instance, typing is the main cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. So, if a patient spends most of the day typing, a doctor could identify it as a work-related injury.

Also Read: Workmen Compensation Insurance

Income Loss Benefits

One of the worker’s comp benefits for patients is compensation for loss of income. Repetitive motion injuries affect employees' working abilities. The compensation is typically a percentage of the worker's wages up to a certain limit, ensuring that the worker can still receive financial support while they recover.

Rehabilitation Benefits

For workers who are permanently disabled due to repetitive motion injuries, the policy can also provide rehabilitation benefits, which may include vocational training to help the worker adapt to a new role or profession if they are unable to return to their previous job.

Medical Benefits

Another benefit of the workmen's compensation policy is medical benefits. It covers medical expenses incurred for the treatment of repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or tennis elbow. The policy will cover hospital bills, surgery costs, physical therapy and other necessary treatments for recovery.

Permanent Disability Benefits

In cases where the repetitive motion injury leads to permanent disability, the employee may be entitled to permanent disability benefits under the Act. The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injury and its impact on the worker’s ability to continue their job.

Also Read: Workman Compensation Insurance Policy and its Benefits

Unlike regular injuries, repetitive strain or motion injuries take time to occur. So, the process of filing a workers' compensation claim for repetitive motion injuries is quite different. Below are the common steps involved in RSI compensation.

Step 1: Report RSI to Employers

The very first step in filing a workmen's compensation claim is to report repetitive strain or motion injuries to the employer. It is crucial to report the injury to the employer within 30 days of the onset of the first symptom.

Even if you are not sure whether the injury is work-related or not, report it to the employer. Give a detailed overview of the injury to the employer, including how it happened and when it happened.

Step 2: Seek Medical Treatment

The next crucial step for employees to follow is to seek immediate medical care for the injury. Even if the injury is minor or not related to work, it is crucial to seek medical care.

The health practitioner will diagnose the injury and establish a treatment plan. They will also document the injury and its prospective cause, which will be used as evidence when filing workers' comp claims.

Step 3: Fill Out Worker Compensation Claim Form

Once you have a confirmation, file a worker compensation claim form and submit it to your employer along with other documents. The employer then will raise a workmen's claim request to the insurance provider.

Step 4: Wait for Decision on Claim

The insurance provider will verify the claim form and other documents and, based on that, either approve or reject a claim. If the claim request has been approved, the employee will receive the compensation amount within a few working days.

Step 5: Appeal a Denied Claim

However, if the insurance provider rejects the claim request, the employee has a right to appeal. To appeal a denied claim, employees need to submit additional documents or evidence to support their case.

Also Read: How Does Workmen Compensation Injury Settlement Work?

Repetitive strain injuries are common among the workforce, especially in environments where tasks involve repetitive motions, poor ergonomics, or prolonged static postures. These injuries typically affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves and can result from tasks like typing, lifting, or using machinery.

They can vary from mild discomfort to severe, chronic pain and can significantly affect an individual’s ability to work and function in daily life.

This is why having a workmen's compensation policy online is crucial. It offers compensation to employees who suffer from RSI. With this policy in hand, employees suffering from RSIs receive necessary medical treatment, such as doctor visits, physical therapy and more.

TATA AIG is a known insurance provider that offers various SME insurance, such as workmen's compensation policies, that are customised based on your unique workforce needs.

Can repetitive motion injuries be deadly?

Repetitive motion injuries are typically not deadly, but if left untreated, they can lead to severe, chronic conditions that significantly impair mobility and quality of life.

Are medical documents necessary for filing RSI compensation?

Yes, medical documents are essential for filing RSI compensation claims. These documents serve as evidence of the injury, its diagnosis and its treatment, which are required to validate the claim.

Can I claim workmen's compensation twice?

No, you cannot claim workmen's compensation twice for the same injury or condition. Suppose you have already received compensation for an injury. In that case, any subsequent claims related to that same injury, such as a recurrence or worsening of the condition, will typically be processed under the original claim.