While offices may seem safer than factories or construction sites, they present their own injury risks. Slip and fall accidents, ergonomic injuries from repetitive computer work, falling objects, and other hazards can cause serious injuries requiring medical treatment and time away from work. If you've been injured in an office workplace, you have the same workers' compensation rights as employees in any other industry.
Common Office Workplace Injuries
Slip and fall accidents are among the most frequent office injuries. Wet floors, loose carpeting, uneven surfaces, electrical cords, and cluttered walkways cause falls that can result in broken bones, back injuries, head trauma, and soft tissue damage.
Ergonomic injuries develop gradually from poor workstation setup and repetitive motions. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, chronic back pain, and neck problems often result from prolonged computer use without proper equipment or breaks.
Falling objects from shelves, overhead storage, or improperly secured filing cabinets can cause head injuries, cuts, and fractures.
Lifting injuries occur when office workers move boxes, equipment, or supplies without proper technique or assistance.
Struck-by injuries from closing doors, moving furniture, or equipment can cause injuries ranging from minor to severe.
Workers' Compensation for Office Injuries
Workers' compensation covers injuries arising from employment, regardless of fault. Office workers have the same rights to workers' comp benefits as employees in more physically demanding jobs. Benefits include medical treatment for your injury, temporary disability payments while you're unable to work, permanent disability compensation for lasting impairments, and vocational rehabilitation if needed.
Report your injury to your employer immediately—even if it seems minor. Delays in reporting can complicate your claim and raise questions about whether the injury is work-related.
Proving Office Injuries Are Work-Related
For sudden accidents like falls, establishing work-relatedness is usually straightforward—you were injured while working. For gradual injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or back problems, you must prove the injury developed from your work activities. Document your job duties, workstation setup, how much time you spend at certain tasks, and when symptoms began.
Medical evidence is crucial for ergonomic injuries. A physician familiar with occupational injuries can evaluate whether your condition is likely caused or aggravated by your work activities.
Slip and Fall Claims
Document the conditions that caused your fall immediately: Take photographs of the hazard (wet floor, torn carpet, obstacle in walkway). Note whether warning signs were present. Get witness contact information. Report the incident in writing.
If a third party created or was responsible for the hazard—such as a cleaning company, property owner (if different from your employer), or vendor—you may have a premises liability claim in addition to workers' compensation.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive stress injuries develop over time from repeated motions and sustained postures. These conditions are compensable under workers' comp, though proving work-relatedness requires careful documentation.
Evidence supporting ergonomic injury claims includes: descriptions of your daily tasks and the motions involved, documentation of your workstation setup and any deficiencies, records of requests for ergonomic equipment or modifications, medical records showing progression of symptoms, and expert opinions linking your condition to work activities.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers must provide a reasonably safe workplace. While OSHA doesn't have specific office ergonomics standards, employers have a general duty to address recognized hazards. If your employer ignored complaints about unsafe conditions or failed to provide reasonable accommodations, this strengthens your claim.
Many ergonomic injuries could be prevented with proper equipment—adjustable chairs, keyboard trays, monitor stands, and regular breaks. If your employer refused requests for ergonomic accommodations before your injury developed, document this history.
Third-Party Claims
Consider whether parties other than your employer contributed to your injury:
Property owners or landlords may be liable for premises hazards if they control the building—particularly for slip and fall accidents in common areas.
Equipment manufacturers may be liable if defective office furniture, equipment, or flooring contributed to your injury.
Maintenance or cleaning companies may be liable if they created hazards that caused your fall.
Challenges with Office Injury Claims
Insurers sometimes dispute office injury claims, particularly for gradual injuries that could have multiple causes. Be prepared to prove your injury is work-related through medical evidence and documentation of your job duties. Don't let skepticism deter you—ergonomic injuries are real and compensable.
Getting Legal Help
If your office injury claim is disputed or your employer is uncooperative, consult a workers' compensation attorney. They can help establish your claim's validity, ensure you receive appropriate benefits, and identify any third-party claims that might provide additional compensation beyond workers' comp.