Shoulder injuries in the workplace occur due to a variety of factors. Here are some common causes of such injuries:
Repetitive motion: Jobs that require repetitive motion, such as assembly line work, can cause shoulder injuries over time. In addition, jobs needing repeated lifting, reaching, or overhead work can cause strains, sprains, or tendinitis in the shoulder.
Overexertion: Overexertion occurs when you push yourself too hard physically. This work-related injury can occur when lifting or carrying heavy objects, pushing or pulling heavy loads, or performing tasks requiring significant force.
Falls: Falls are a common cause of shoulder injuries in the workplace. To put things into perspective, one study found that in 2020 alone, 805 workers in the US died from falls only. In addition, more than 211,000 suffered serious injuries, requiring time off work that year.
Motor vehicle accidents: Workers who drive various vehicles or machines as part of their job may be at risk of shoulder injuries in related accidents. The impact of a car accident can cause shoulder dislocations, fractures, or soft tissue injuries.
Contact injuries: Workers who come into contact with equipment or machinery can also suffer shoulder injuries. Examples of such scenarios are when a falling object strikes a worker or their shoulder is caught in machinery.
Awkward postures: Awkward postures, such as reaching overhead, can exert excessive strain on the shoulder muscles and tendons, leading to shoulder injuries over time.