Preventing Hand and Wrist Injuries from Computer Work: Ergonomics and Workers’ Rights

In today’s digital workplace, most Southern California employees spend hours each day typing, clicking, and scrolling. While these activities seem harmless, they can lead to debilitating repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) that affect the hands, wrists, and arms. These cumulative trauma disorders develop gradually as small, repetitive motions damage tendons, nerves, muscles, and other soft tissues. For many office workers, these injuries can become serious enough to require medical intervention and time away from work.

Common Hand and Wrist Injuries from Computer Work

Several specific conditions commonly develop from prolonged computer use:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist. The resulting pressure causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. Symptoms often begin gradually:

• Tingling or numbness in the fingers (especially the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers)
• Pain that radiates from the wrist up the arm
• Weakness in the hand and difficulty gripping objects
• Symptoms that worsen at night

Left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage and disability.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons, the fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. In computer users, tendonitis commonly affects the wrists, hands, and forearms. Symptoms include:

• Pain with specific movements
• Swelling and tenderness
• Warmth and redness over the affected area
• Crackling sensation when moving the tendon

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

This condition affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain and swelling near the base of the thumb. It’s often associated with repetitive hand motions, such as typing and using a mouse. Symptoms include:

• Pain at the base of the thumb
• Swelling near the base of the thumb
• Difficulty gripping or pinching
• A “catching” or “snapping” sensation when moving the thumb

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

This condition involves pressure or stretching of the ulnar nerve (which passes through the cubital tunnel on the inside of the elbow), often caused by leaning on elbows or keeping elbows bent for extended periods. Symptoms include:

• Numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers
• Pain in the forearm
• Weakness in the hand
• Sensitivity to cold

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis) causes catching or locking when bending a finger. The condition occurs when inflammation narrows the space around the tendon in the affected finger. While less common than other computer-related injuries, it can develop from repetitive gripping actions. Symptoms include:

• A popping or clicking sensation when moving the finger
• Finger stiffness, especially in the morning
• Finger catching or locking in a bent position
• Tender lump at the base of the affected finger

Ergonomic Prevention Strategies

Preventing hand and wrist injuries begins with proper ergonomics—the science of designing the workplace to fit the worker. Key ergonomic principles for computer users include:

Proper Keyboard Positioning

• Position the keyboard so wrists remain in a neutral, straight position
• Keep the keyboard at elbow height or slightly below
• Use a keyboard tray if necessary to achieve the correct height
• Position the keyboard close enough to avoid reaching
• Consider an ergonomic, split keyboard design that places hands in a more natural position

Mouse Techniques

• Place the mouse at the same height as the keyboard
• Keep the mouse close to the keyboard to avoid reaching
• Use the entire arm to move the mouse, not just the wrist
• Avoid gripping the mouse tightly
• Consider alternate input devices like trackballs, vertical mice, or pen tablets
• Use keyboard shortcuts when possible to reduce mouse use

Wrist Support

• Avoid resting wrists on hard surfaces or sharp edges
• Use padded wrist rests for both keyboard and mouse, but only during breaks, not while typing
• Maintain “floating” wrists while typing rather than anchoring wrists to the desk

Monitor Positioning

• Position the monitor at arm’s length
• Align the top of the screen with eye level
• Position the monitor directly in front of you to avoid twisting

Chair Setup

• Adjust chair height so feet rest flat on the floor
• Use a chair with good lumbar support
• Keep knees at approximately 90-degree angles
• Maintain 90-100 degree angles at the elbows

Work Habits

• Take regular breaks (at least 5 minutes every hour)
• Use the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Perform hand and wrist stretches throughout the day
• Alternate tasks to avoid doing the same motion repeatedly
• Use document holders to avoid looking down repeatedly
• Adjust screen brightness and contrast to reduce eye strain

Employer Responsibilities for Preventing RSIs

Under California law, employers have specific responsibilities to protect workers from repetitive strain injuries:

Ergonomic Evaluation and Equipment

Employers should:

• Provide ergonomic assessments for employees
• Supply appropriate ergonomic equipment when needed
• Make reasonable adjustments to workstations upon request
• Ensure that workspaces comply with Cal/OSHA ergonomic standards

Training and Information

Employers must:

• Train employees on proper ergonomic techniques
• Provide information about identifying early RSI symptoms
• Offer resources for prevention and treatment
• Ensure supervisors are trained to respond appropriately to RSI complaints

Work Organization

Employers should implement:

• Reasonable work pacing to avoid excessive repetitive motions
• Sufficient breaks for recovery
• Task rotation to use different muscle groups
• Adequate staffing to prevent overwork

Employee Rights Under California Law

California employees have specific rights regarding repetitive strain injuries:

Right to a Safe Workplace

Under Cal/OSHA regulations, workers have the right to:

• A workplace free from recognized hazards
• Receive information and training about workplace hazards
• Request and participate in workplace inspections
• File complaints about unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation

Right to Workers’ Compensation for RSIs

Employees who develop work-related RSIs have the right to:

• Medical treatment covered by workers’ compensation
• Disability benefits if unable to work
• Rehabilitation services if needed
• File claims without employer retaliation

Right to Reasonable Accommodations

Under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employees with RSIs have the right to:

• Request reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions
• An interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations
• Protection from discrimination based on their condition

Workers’ Compensation for Computer-Related Injuries

If you develop an RSI from computer work, workers’ compensation may provide several benefits:

Medical Treatment

Workers’ compensation covers:

• Doctor visits and specialist consultations
• Diagnostic tests (X-rays, EMGs, nerve conduction studies)
• Surgeries when necessary
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Medications
• Medical devices (splints, braces)
• Travel expenses for medical appointments

Disability Benefits

If your RSI prevents you from working, you may receive:

• Temporary disability payments (approximately two-thirds of your average weekly wage)
• Permanent disability benefits if your condition causes lasting limitations
• Supplemental job displacement benefits if you cannot return to your previous job

Challenges in RSI Workers’ Compensation Claims

RSI claims often face unique challenges:

• Proving the condition is work-related rather than caused by non-work activities
• Establishing when the injury occurred (for filing deadlines)
• Determining appropriate work restrictions
• Securing appropriate medical treatment through the workers’ compensation system

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim for Computer-Related RSIs

If you develop symptoms of a repetitive strain injury from computer work, follow these steps:

1. Report the Injury

• Notify your employer in writing as soon as you realize your condition may be work-related
• Complete a DWC-1 claim form (your employer should provide this)
• Keep copies of all reports and forms
• Be specific about how your work duties contributed to your condition

2. Seek Medical Treatment

• See a doctor as soon as possible (initially, your employer may direct you to a specific provider)
• Clearly explain your job duties and how your symptoms relate to them
• Follow all treatment recommendations
• Keep detailed records of all medical visits and treatments

3. Document Your Work Environment

• Take photos of your workstation
• Note the hours spent on computer tasks
• Record any requests for ergonomic equipment or adjustments
• Document any training (or lack of training) on ergonomic practices

4. Consider Legal Representation

RSI claims can be complex. Consider consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney if:

• Your claim is denied
• Your employer disputes that your condition is work-related
• You’re not receiving appropriate medical treatment
• You face retaliation for filing a claim
• Your condition may result in permanent limitations

Third-Party Claims for Computer-Related Injuries

In some cases, employees with RSIs may have claims beyond workers’ compensation:

Product Liability Claims

If poorly designed equipment contributed to your injury, you might have a claim against:

• Keyboard manufacturers
• Mouse or input device manufacturers
• Furniture manufacturers
• Computer manufacturers

Premises Liability Claims

If you work at a client’s site or a leased office space, third-party property owners may share liability for inadequate ergonomic conditions.

Returning to Work After an RSI

Returning to work after an RSI requires careful planning:

Work Restrictions

Your doctor may recommend:

• Reduced typing/mouse use hours
• Regular breaks
• Modified equipment
• Gradual return to full duties

Accommodations

Potential accommodations include:

• Voice recognition software
• Ergonomic workstation equipment
• Modified work schedules
• Task reassignment

Ongoing Prevention

To prevent recurrence:

• Maintain proper ergonomic practices
• Continue prescribed exercises
• Take scheduled breaks
• Report symptom recurrence promptly

How Ochoa & Calderón Can Help

At Ochoa & Calderón, our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys understand the complexities of repetitive strain injury claims. We can:

• Evaluate whether your computer-related injury qualifies for workers’ compensation
• Help you navigate the claims process
• Ensure you receive appropriate medical treatment
• Advocate for ergonomic accommodations
• Appeal denied claims
• Represent you in workers’ compensation hearings
• Explore potential third-party claims
• Protect you from retaliation

Conclusion

Computer-related hand and wrist injuries can significantly impact both your career and quality of life. Understanding proper ergonomics, recognizing early symptoms, and knowing your legal rights are essential steps in preventing and addressing these conditions. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a repetitive strain injury from computer work, don’t dismiss it as a minor inconvenience—early intervention is crucial for successful treatment and recovery.

The answer is clear: legal representation ensures better outcomes for your claim. At Ochoa & Calderón, we fight for car accident victims to secure the compensation they deserve. Call us today at 951-901-4444 or 844-401-0750 toll-free to schedule a free consultation. You can also contact us online.