NEW CASTLE, PA - Office environments may appear low-risk, but workplace injuries in these settings remain a significant concern across Pennsylvania. New Castle workers' compensation attorney Lawrence M. Kelly of Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. (https://www.lgkg.com/top-causes-of-office-injuries-in-pennsylvania/) highlights the most common causes of office injuries and explains how the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act protects injured employees.
According to New Castle workers' compensation attorney Lawrence M. Kelly, the most frequent office injuries include slips, trips, and falls, ergonomic strain from poor workstation setups, repetitive motion disorders, improper lifting, and defective equipment malfunctions. Under the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act, employers are generally liable to pay benefits for injuries that occur in the course of employment, regardless of fault. "Workers' compensation coverage applies to office settings just as it does to high-risk job sites," explains Kelly.
New Castle workers' compensation attorney Lawrence M. Kelly notes that ergonomic hazards develop when workstations force the body into unnatural positions for extended periods. Sitting in a chair without proper lumbar support, using a keyboard placed at an incorrect height, or viewing a monitor at an awkward angle can contribute to chronic pain in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis can also qualify for workers' compensation in Pennsylvania, though claims must generally be filed within three years.
Attorney Kelly emphasizes that slips, trips, and falls remain among the most common workplace injuries in office environments. OSHA requires employers to keep walking and working surfaces clean and dry. Hazards such as cords across walkways, open file cabinet drawers, poor lighting in hallways, and the use of swivel chairs instead of proper step stools to reach overhead items can all lead to serious falls resulting in fractures, sprains, or head injuries. "Reporting hazards promptly and following safe practices are essential steps in preventing these incidents," Kelly advises.
Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, affects workers who spend prolonged periods at computer screens and is characterized by eye fatigue, headaches, and blurred vision. The American Optometric Association notes that symptoms tend to worsen with extended screen time and may be aggravated by poor monitor placement and screen glare. Employers can help by positioning monitors approximately 20 to 26 inches from the eyes and slightly below eye level and by providing anti-glare screen filters and proper office lighting.
Lifting injuries occur in offices more frequently than many workers expect. Moving boxes of files, carrying computer monitors, or rearranging furniture can cause back and shoulder injuries if done with poor posture or without proper technique. Even lighter objects can strain the lower back when lifted incorrectly. Under Section 311 of the Workers' Compensation Act, employees must report injuries to their employer within 120 days. However, the firm recommends immediate notification because early reporting creates a clear record that helps avoid disputes during the claims process. Workers in the New Castle area who require treatment may visit UPMC Jameson at 1211 Wilmington Avenue for emergency care and diagnostic services.
Joseph A. George of the firm notes that defective office equipment also poses real safety risks. Faulty chairs with weak gas cylinders can collapse, damaged electrical cords increase the risk of shock or fire, and machinery with defective safety guards may cause puncture injuries. Fire-related incidents, while uncommon in offices, can cause significant harm when overloaded circuits or faulty wiring are involved. When a manufacturer's defect causes the injury, a third-party product liability claim may also apply, potentially allowing the worker to seek additional compensation for pain and suffering beyond what workers' compensation provides.
Pennsylvania workers' compensation benefits may include coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment, partial wage replacement at approximately two-thirds of the worker's average weekly wage, and specific loss benefits for permanent injuries. Workers who report injuries within 21 days may receive wage-loss benefits retroactive to the date of injury. If notice is given later, benefits may only begin after notification.
For those who have suffered an office injury in Pennsylvania, consulting with a workers' compensation attorney may help protect the right to benefits.
About Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C.:
Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. is a New Castle-based law firm dedicated to workers' compensation and personal injury representation. Led by attorneys Lawrence M. Kelly and Joseph A. George, the firm serves injured workers throughout Lawrence County, Butler County, Allegheny County, and across Western Pennsylvania. For consultations, call (724) 658-8535.
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Website: https://www.lgkg.com/
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Company Name: Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C.
Contact Person: Lauren Kelly Gielarowski
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Phone: (724) 658-8535
Address:315 N Mercer St
City: New Castle
State: Pennsylvania 16101
Country: United States
Website: https://www.lgkg.com/
