Factory work often involves repetitive tasks that strain your wrists every day. Over time, this constant motion can lead to injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.
If your wrist pain makes it harder to work or live your daily life, it is time to speak up. Reporting the pain is the first step toward getting the help and benefits you may deserve.
Here’s why timely reporting can make such a difference.
Do not wait to report your pain
Assuming the discomfort will resolve on its own is often a mistake, especially with injuries related to repetitive stress. Wrist injuries linked to manufacturing work typically do not improve without intervention.
Postponing your report may jeopardize both your physical recovery and the legitimacy of your claim. In Illinois, you are required to inform your employer within 45 days of discovering a work-related condition.
Communicate with your supervisor immediately. Describe the affected area and identify the specific duties that contribute to the discomfort. Even after verbal acknowledgment, always document the incident in writing. Retain a copy of the communication for your personal records.
See a doctor who understands workplace injuries
Once you report the issue, your employer might suggest a doctor. You can also choose your own. Describe your job duties and how they affect your wrist. A proper medical report links your injury to your work, which is essential for your claim.
The doctor will want to know the following:
- What kind of work do you do
- How long have you been experiencing pain
- What triggers it
- Whether it affects daily activities like sleeping or driving
These details help the doctor connect your condition directly to your work routine.
Follow the steps for a workers’ comp claim
Wrist injuries from factory work are often covered under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. But you need to follow the correct process. Start by reporting the injury within the 45-day window.
Then, seek medical care and stick to the treatment plan. Keep track of all paperwork and doctor visits. If necessary, file an Application for Adjustment of Claim, which is the formal document used to initiate a case with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission when there is a dispute or delay in receiving benefits.
You can find helpful information on workplace injury reporting in an Occupational Safety and Health Administration guide to reporting workplace injuries, which includes how and when to report injuries.
Stay informed and protect your health
Wrist pain might seem minor at first, but it can signal a more significant issue. Reporting it and getting care early not only helps you recover—it also ensures you are protected under Illinois workers’ comp laws. In some cases, unresolved claims may continue to more formal steps like arbitration or hearings.
