In California, repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) are recognized as a serious workplace health concern. That’s especially true in jobs requiring repetitive motions, such as typing, lifting or assembly line work. Under California and federal law, RSIs can be considered protected disabilities if they significantly limit an individual’s ability to perform essential job functions and/or major, basic functions of everyday life more broadly.
An RSI such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis or rotator cuff injuries, results from prolonged, repetitive motions and can severely impact a worker’s ability to perform their job. When an RSI qualifies as a disability, California law requires employers to accommodate an affected worker’s condition so that they can continue to work effectively and safely.
Reasonable accommodations for RSIs
When an RSI qualifies as a disability, employers have a legal obligation to provide “reasonable accommodations” to help an affected employee continue working. These accommodations include adjustments to the workplace or job duties that reduce strain and prevent further injury. Examples are ergonomic equipment, modified workstations, schedule adjustments and task rotations to limit repetitive motions. An employee with an RSI may also request temporary leave to seek treatment or manage pain.
In California, employers are legally required to engage in an “interactive process” with employees who have a disability, including an RSI. This involves discussing the employee’s needs, evaluating potential accommodations and making adjustments as necessary. Failing to engage in this process or provide reasonable accommodations could be grounds for a disability discrimination claim.
California law emphasizes that accommodations must be reasonable and not impose an undue hardship on the employer’s business. As a result, some employers may push back when a worker with an RSI requests a reasonable accommodation. Therefore, many workers benefit from seeking legal guidance either before making such requests or after a request has been rejected.