| If Push Comes to Shove | Overexertion Injury |
According to the 2016 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, overexertion is the leading cause of workplace injuries in the U.S., accounting for 24% of the total nonfatal injuries. Overexertion injuries can occur when employees work beyond their physical capabilities. Commonly, overexertion injuries happen while pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying heavy objects.
There are a number of ways you can help reduce and prevent overexertion injuries, such as sprains and strains:
- Stretch before working.
- Slow down and think about how to perform each job safely.
- Don’t make any fast movements while lifting or carrying.
- When lifting objects, bend at the knees.
- Ask for help when items are too heavy to be safely handled.
- Use equipment to move heavy items.
- Push objects instead of pulling, when possible.
- Get close to objects before reaching for them.
- When working with objects, keep them close to your body.
- Frequently used materials should be kept in easy access locations
- Work with good posture. Don’t work in awkward or twisted positions.
- Keep walkways clean and clear of potential hazards.
- Know your limits and don’t push past them.
With pre-planning, preventing overexertion injuries is not difficult. Steer clear of these preventable injuries by keeping safety awareness at the top of your mind.
