The hidden toll for UPS drivers: repetitive stress injuries

A UPS driver’s job might seem straightforward, but it’s a demanding job that can take a serious toll on the body. The physical demands put UPS drivers at serious risk for repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) and strain injuries Many drivers find themselves battling this hidden toll.

UPS drivers with repetitive stress injuries may be eligible for benefits under the Illinois workers’ compensation system if their injuries are work-related.

Recognizing the symptoms of RSI in UPS drivers

As a UPS driver, they are constantly gripping the steering wheel, keeping their foot steady on the truck’s accelerator pedal,  constantly lifting, carrying, and sorting packages. These job duties often lead to stress and strain on a driver’s body. Unfortunately, repetitive stress injuries don’t always announce themselves immediately, unlike a back injury. Symptoms of RSI often start mild and sporadic. Over time, they can become more intense and constant, eventually making it difficult for UPS delivery drivers to drive or perform daily tasks.

Drivers should watch for these warning signs of strain or stress injuries:

• Swelling and tenderness of the body
• Pain, tingling, or numbness in extremities
• Stiffness and throbbing of muscles
• Weakness in affected area of the body
• Increased sensitivity to cold or heat changes

Treatment options for UPS drivers with a repetitive stress injury

Treatment options for a UPS driver’s repetitive stress injury ranges from conservative to surgical. A doctor will often recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), along with the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation).  If the injury does not improve, a doctor will suggest physical therapy or even steroid injections. If nerves or tendons are seriously damaged from RSI, your doctor may recommend surgery.

UPS drivers receiving workers’ compensation for  with a repetitive stress injury

Workers’ compensation insurance from UPS should cover all reasonable and necessary medical care for a driver’s RSI. While a UPS driver with a RSI can apply for workers’ comp benefits on their own, a driver needs to be prepared for an Independent Medical Exam (IME). If a driver cannot work due to a RSI they may qualify for temporary total disability benefits.

Taking legal action for a repetitive stress injury

Dealing with a work-related injury such as one that develops over time like an RSI, can be complex. If you’re a UPS driver in Illinois suffering from a repetitive stress injury, consider speaking with a workers’ compensation lawyer to ensure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to.