When you hear the words ”Hairdresser”, “Stylist” or “Barber” linked to the term “personal injury claim” I think it’s fair to say that most people would picture some form of Hairdressing disaster, inflicted by a negligent trainee applying a dash too-much peroxide, perhaps.
Seldom do we consider the hazards faced in the line of duty by the stylists themselves, thanks to exposure to bleaches, colorants and other chemicals – not to mention Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) or other Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI’s).
My stylist, Alison, has been unable to work for the last few weeks. Following the high demand for her creative talents over Christmas and the New Year, she has been suffering with pain, numbness and a burning or tingling sensation in her hands and fingers. She has now been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) - a type of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and is now awaiting an operation.
Her symptoms so far have been pretty typical – with pains and sensations developing gradually, starting off being worse during the night and tending to affect her thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the ring finger. Other symptoms can include pins & needles, thumb weakness and a dull ache in the hand or arm.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) & Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by compression of the nerve that controls sensation and movement in the hands (the median nerve). The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage in your wrist made up of small bones and a tough band of tissue. It acts as a pulley for the tendons that bend the fingers. Although it isn't known why the median nerve becomes compressed in most cases, certain things are thought to increase the risk of CTS developing, these include: repetitive hand motions, awkward hand positions, strong gripping, mechanical stress on the palm or vibration.
CTS isn’t just a condition that effects hairdressers, other professions who can suffer from CTS include; Farmers, Mechanics, Gardeners, Painters, Office Workers, Musicians, Cashiers, Butchers, Locksmiths and Assembly Line Workers to name a few.
Initial treatment when diagnosed can include rest for the hand, the wearing of a splint, exercises and / or medication. However in cases like Alison’s where CTS is on-going for more than 6 months surgery is sometimes required. Alison is hopeful that once recovered from the operation she’ll be cured and she can continue with her career (as do I, it took me ages to find her!).
Employers Liability
Unfortunately Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a risk when you take up a profession that requires small, repetitive movements, like hairdressing, but none-the-less employers have a duty of care which requires them to reduce risks to employees health as much as reasonably possible.
In my office for example (where many of us are heavy users of the computer mouse and so also belong to a high-risk group), I’m required to regularly complete a risk assessment for my working environment, to identify potential risks so that my employer can fulfil their obligation to reduce or remove any risk to my health, by making changes to my environment or providing specialist equipment, such as wrist wrests or ergonomic mouse.
In Alison’s case, correctly balanced and sharpened Scissors, height adjustable chairs and protective gloves could all help reduce risks to her health.
However, if an employer fails in their obligation and this failure can be proven to have caused an injury – it may be possible to claim against them.
As I’ve discussed many times before on this blog, there is sometimes a reluctance to make a personal injury claim, even when the consequences of not making a claim cause us to suffer physical, emotional and financial hardship. If you’ve had to take time off work due to an RSI such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and feel that more could have been done to prevent it, then you may be entitled to make a claim for personal injury compensation.
Call us now on 0800 756 7774 or complete our online form (on the right of this page) and our friendly specialist advisors can talk to you about your situation and advise if you have a valid compensation claim. There is no charge for this service and you are under no obligation to claim with us.
Although Repetitive Strain Injury Claims (or RSI claims) such as Alison’s can be difficult to pursue successfully, if we feel you have a valid claim we can assign one of our specialist Personal Injury Solicitors to take on your case. They can offer you a “No Win No Fee” agreement which means win or lose, you’ll have nothing to pay and if you win the case, you get 100% of the compensation awarded to you.
If you have a genuine claim, contact a genuine company.
May I Claim, is a trading name of R Costings Limited and our CRM number is 25770
If you’ve had an accident that wasn’t your fault and suffered an injury - you can trust us to handle your claim professionally.
Call us now on 0800 756 7774 and talk to us to find out if you have a claim - or fill in our Quick Claim form (on the right of this page).
http://info.mayiclaim.co.uk/personal_injury_compensation_claim_news/bid/259758/Does-Your-Job-Literally-Get-On-Your-Nerves-Repetitive-Strain-Injury
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