Workers' compensation has evolved over the past few decades.
While technology has advanced, injuries related to specific types of machines have similarly been reported.
As a result, compensation claims for injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, eye strain, and neck and back strain have risen with the advent of the computer era.
Although computers are wonderful machines that simplify the work experience for millions of Americans, they also have peculiar drawbacks due to the way they are used.
As computer screens cause a great amount of constant focus for eyes, problems such as computer vision syndrome can develop.
Computer vision syndrome, or CVS, is commonly reported among workers who use these machines regularly, visually attached to a monitor for several hours each day.
Although computers are extremely useful and can easily increase productivity, the relationship between a computer screen and the human eye is troubled at best.
Like a page of a book, focusing on a monitor for too long can cause muscles in the eyes to become fatigued.
In addition, associated body functions can suffer as well.
CVS has notably been recorded to significantly decrease the rate of blinking among computer-using workers.
While this may not seem like a major complication, regular blinking protects the eye, keeping it moist and functioning properly.
Overuse and dryness can cause damage to the eye itself and the muscles within, reducing vision permanently.
In addition, the symptoms of CVS can render a worker who must use computers on a daily basis effectively useless until recovery.
Although some may not consider filing a workers' compensation claim for a problem encountered in the corporate world, an injury that affects work productivity is an injury nonetheless.
A workers' compensation attorney can help you understand how compensation and benefits plans can keep an employee financially stable while they recover.