Ep. 578 Cumulative Trauma Injuries: What They Are and How to Combat Them

Rancho Mesa’s Alyssa Burley and Client Technology Specialist, Brenda Colby sit down to talk about ways to help prevent cumulative trauma injuries.

Show Notes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Rancho Mesa's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠

Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Alyssa Burley

Guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Brenda Colby

Editor: Megan Lockhart

Music: "Home" by JHS Pedals, “Breaking News Intro” by nem0production

© Copyright 2025. Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. All rights reserved.

Transcript

Alyssa Burley: You’re listening to Rancho Mesa’s StudioOne™ podcast, where each week we break down complex insurance and safety topics to help your business thrive.  I’m your host, Alyssa Burley, and I’m joined by Brenda Colby, Client Technology Specialist with Rancho Mesa, and we’re going to talk about ways to help prevent cumulative trauma injuries.

Brenda, welcome to the show.

Brenda Colby: Happy to be here, Alyssa.

AB: So Brenda, cumulative trauma injuries (or CTIs) have been on the rise here in California and across the country. Will you explain what CTIs are for our listeners?

BC: Sure. So, cumulative trauma injuries develop slowly from repetitive motions, awkward postures, and prolonged static positions.

And these are injuries that occur over time, not on a specific date, and they often result in things like chronic back or knee pain from lifting heavy equipment, or carpal tunnel syndrome from improper ergonomics while using a computer.

AB: So, why are we seeing an increase in these types of injuries?

BC: Well, the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau reports that cumulative trauma claims now make up 3% of all claims, and the number of CT claims has doubled over the past 10 years.

It seems that because CTIs develop over a long period of time, they can be more difficult for an employer to defend against than injuries that are sustained on a specific date. So, it opens a door for more litigation around these types of claims. And, a lot of these claims – nearly 39% – are filed post termination. And there are plenty of attorneys out there, especially in California, that have implemented aggressive marketing efforts to get employees to file CT claims.

AB: So, it’s not necessarily that there are more CT injuries in the workplace, but more claims being filed?

BC: Exactly.

AB: So, what are some ways employers can help prevent cumulative trauma injuries?

BC: Well, first I would suggest that employers encourage employee reporting. And that includes early reporting of unsafe conditions and potential safety hazards on the job like improper use of equipment or a need for ergonomic changes. Employees should feel comfortable reporting these things.

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

AB: Okay, what else should employers be doing?

BC: Well, proper safety training is also an important step in preventing both immediate injury and CTIs. 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 and A.B.L.E Lift Protocol 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 SafetyOne Platform as well.

AB: Those are great resources. And, Rancho Mesa is also hosting a Cumulative Trauma Claims workshop at the end of this month, and although the in-person event is sold out, we will have a recorded version available for clients shortly after it takes place.

So Brenda, if listeners have questions about using SafetyOne or other resources, what’s the best way to get in contact with you?

BC: As always, clients can contact me at bcolby@ranchomesa.com or call me directly at (619) 486-6562.

AB: Brenda, thank you for joining me in StudioOne.

BC: Thanks for having me.

AB: Thanks for tuning in to our latest episode produced by Studio One. If you enjoyed what you heard, please share this episode and subscribe. For more insights like this, visit us at ranchomesa.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.