Cumulative Trauma Injuries: What They Are and How to Combat Them

Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Cumulative Trauma injuries are on the rise in California, and employers should be aware of the consequences of these costly claims.

Cumulative Trauma encompasses work-related injuries or diseases that develop over time from repetitive physical or mental stress. These are injuries that occur over time, not on a specific date; things like chronic back or knee pain, carpal tunnel, or hearing loss. Because these claims take place over a long period of time, it is more difficult for an employer to defend themselves against CT claims than against specific injury claims.

The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) reports that CT claims now make up 3% of all claims, and the number of CT claims has doubled over the past 10 years. Additionally, 39% of CT claims are filed post-termination.

Because CT injuries compound over time, it is important for employers to take regular precautions against possible employee injuries.

Encourage Employee Reporting

Early reporting of unsafe conditions is an important step in preventing injury. Employers should encourage employees to report and document potential safety hazards on the job. Improper use of equipment while tree trimming, a lack of PPE on a construction site, or a need for ergonomic changes in the office are all risks employers should be aware of, and employees should feel comfortable reporting.

Rancho Mesa clients can use Observation Reports in the SafetyOne™ platform to document hazards that need to be addressed.

Proper Safety Training

Training employees in proper safety techniques is also an important step in preventing both immediate injury and CT claims. Employees should be aware of how to properly use all equipment and protect their bodies from repetitive stress.

For employees in construction and landscape industries whose jobs require manual labor, Rancho Mesa’s RM365 Advantage Mobility & Stretch™ Program helps workers prepare themselves for strenuous physical tasks and prevent injury.

Office employees can also benefit from ergonomic training to help prevent aches and pains associated with sedentary work. Office Ergonomics and Industrial Ergonomics training courses are both available through Rancho Mesa’s RM365 HRAdvantage™ portal.

For a closer look at the effects of CT claims and how to best combat them, join us for our Cumulative Trauma Claims: Trends, Impact & Best Practices workshop, happening on Friday, January 30, at 9 a.m.