The word geek was initially used to describe people who did not quite fit in some society’s expectations. Nowadays, a geek is simply a techie, someone who is both enthusiastic and an expert in matters of digital technology.
By nature, geeks spend most of their time behind the computer, creating or fixing things. Global events are slowly shaping the future of work as virtual and remote. This means that more and more people will also be spending most of their time behind these screens too.
While this type of lifestyle seems short of injuries compared to work areas like construction sites and factories, it can also present serious health risks.
Let’s look at some of the main injuries in a geek’s life and what to do if you are in a similar situation.
Common Injuries in Geek Life
Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain
Chronic pain in the back and neck is caused by poor sitting postures. Geeks spend a lot of time bent over their keyboards, which affects the shoulder blades and gradually alters their normal position.
When you sit down for too long, a lot of pressure is exerted on your lower back too. Over time, this problem develops into back injuries that might require physical therapy.
Slips and Falls
A typical geek’s workspace contains cables, computer parts, open drawers, and other devices that one can easily trip over and fall. Poor lighting and wet surfaces, such as a recently cleaned floor can also cause falls in such a setting.
Falls are dangerous because they cause a range of injuries from minor bone fractures to serious brain damage.
Eye Strain
Computers and other types of digital screens emit a blue light that is harmful to the human eye. It has a strong wavelength that reaches up to your retina.
Geeks, who are constantly exposed to this light can develop digital eye strain, premature eye aging, or damaged retinas. Wearing blue-light blocking glasses can prevent eye problems.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Performing one task for the entire day and waking up to the same can cause a range of repetitive strain injuries depending on the parts affected. In the case of a geek, the most common condition is carpal tunnel syndrome.
There’s a network of ligaments connecting the carpal to the forearm. The constant movement of the wrist when typing, moving, and clicking the mouse can seem trivial but can hurt the wrists in the long run.
Headaches and Migraines
Headaches and migraines in a geek’s life can be caused by several things. Most commonly, eyesight problems caused by digital screens can bring about chronic headaches.
Some geeks, such as professional gamers, also work in poorly-lit rooms that can also cause migraines.
What to Do in the Event of an Injury
If any of the above injuries occur while in course of your geeky job, you should notify your employer or supervisor immediately. The more you wait to report, the harder it can be to prove that the injury is work-related.
Remember, injuries in a geek’s life are already difficult to prove as it is because some develop over a long time, while others are work-related but accelerated by external conditions.
Your employer will provide a form to file a worker’s compensation claim. This is to cater for things like medical bills and any time you might have to spend out of work.
If your employer does not have a workers’ insurance plan, you might have to file a personal injury lawsuit for compensation purposes. This can be complicated to handle on your own and will require legal support from a work comp attorney.
If your injury is caused by a defective product on the other hand, something like say one of your gadget’s batteries started on fire and burned you or your new gaming chair literally collapses to the floor and destroys your back or perhaps causes a head injury, then you’ll need to file a personal injury suit and work with an attorney like those at the Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo.
