Cable installer workers comp causation in Wisconsin often involves a low back injury or neck disability. Cable installers are cable television, broadband internet, or telecommunications workers who typically specialize in either installing and repairing the main lines, or installing and repairing lines and equipment at the customer’s location. Telecommunications workers who handle the main lines are typically called line installers or linemen, while those providing service at the destination point are called telecom or cable technicians.
A line installer’s physical job duties are generally performed outdoors, and inclement weather conditions can make the work environment unsafe. When installing new cables, workers may need to operate borers or trenchers to create openings in which to bury lines, or they may need to hang the cables from towers or poles. Storms and age can damage cables, requiring workers to locate the problem and repair it. All of these job activities can directly cause or contribute to a workers comp low back injury over time resulting in lumbar surgery or low back surgery such as a fusion or discectomy.
Telecommunication technicians perform most of their physical job duties indoors, installing or troubleshooting equipment located in customer’s homes, offices or buildings. They have to inspect internal phone jacks or wiring, make adjustments to the equipment to enhance reception, or replace equipment that is outdated or malfunctioning. Once an installation is complete, techs test the equipment and teach the customer how to use it. Inside work in awkward positions can directly cause a neck herniated disc or over time contribute to cervical degenerative disc disease that is work-related. The result may be neck fusion surgery for radiculopathy.
Cable installers must be able to perform the following physical demands: Overhead lifting, climbing & carrying ladders with a weight of 75 lbs, and work in confined spaces and in inclement weather. You must frequently climb up/down a ladder and perform extended overhead cabling/wiring from ladder – neck pain. Ability to grip, push, pull feed cable vertically into closets, horizontally in cable trays and between walls, ceilings and floors, all of which puts stress on the low back and neck. Ability to bend, lift and carry multiple spools or boxes of cable up to 50 lbs. unassisted on regular basis and the ability to lift/push cable spools up to 150 lbs assisted on regular basis and the ability to bend, lift, twist, turn and crawl in/out of tight spaces such as desks, cubicles and ceilings all contribute to low back strains and disc damage.
At McCormick Law Office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin our attorneys trust a client’s job description from the employer as representing true job duties but often the injured worker has more helpful details. Believe in better.
