Employees are at an increased risk of neck sprain if they engage in physical activities at work, for example if they are required to lift heavy items on construction sites.
However, almost any employee can acquire a neck sprain at work, including those who work in office environments that require them to sit at a desk for a prolonged period of time.
The most common causes of neck sprain
Suffering from a muscle strain in the neck is the most common type of neck injury. This is usually caused by heavy lifting, or from sitting badly for a prolonged period of time. Fatigue in the neck can also be caused by poor posture, especially when a desk or computer is positioned badly. Neck ligament sprains can occur when a person has suffered whiplash from driving a vehicle.
Employers’ responsibilities
All employers have a duty to create a safe environment for their employees, and this means taking all the reasonable steps to prevent neck injuries. This includes making sure that employees are not required to lift dangerously heavy items, especially if they do not have the proper training required. They should also provide employees that sit at desks with the equipment necessary to prevent neck sprains. This could include an ergonomic desk chair, a bigger computer screen and other aids that can make sitting at a desk most comfortable.
If you have suffered from a serious neck sprain as a result of carrying out your work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation for any medical expenses or lost wages that came as a result of the injury.
Source: Physio Works, “Neck Sprain,” accessed Dec. 22, 2017