In the hustle and bustle of our everyday work routines, it becomes incredibly easy to overlook the silent threat that prevails in numerous workplaces: Overexertion.
Overexertion is a problem that doesn’t just plague New York City, but other places as well.
According to an eminent work injury lawyer in New York, overexertion is perhaps one of the leading causes of workplace injuries. Despite its prevalence, it often goes unnoticed until it becomes too late, leading to serious injuries, increasing medical costs, and more.
On that note, let’s take a look at how overexertion is a threat that most workers need to take seriously and ways to prevent it before it’s too late.
Overexertion: What Exactly is It?
According to the National Safety Council, overexertion is perhaps the third-leading cause of injury in the United States, with roughly 3.5 million overexertion injuries occurring every year.
To put it simply, overexertion occurs when you use more physical force than your body can handle. For instance, if you are making efforts to lift something excessively heavy for you, you’re overexerting your body and putting yourself at risk for an injury. Let’s take a look at some other activities that can also lead to overexertion injuries:
- Pulling or pushing heavy objects
- Carrying heavy objects
- Reaching for something overhead
- Twisting or bending your body in a weird way
- Standing or sitting in a similar position for too long
It can also result from fatigue that can impair judgment and reduce physical strength. Again, insufficient training on proper lifting techniques and ergonomic practices can leave employees vulnerable to overexertion injuries.
Overexertion can often result in musculoskeletal injuries like strains, sprains, and tears, impacting different parts of the body, including the shoulders, back, wrists, and neck.
Overexertion Injuries: How to Prevent Them?
Usually, our bodies tend to send out signals that we need to slow down long before extensive damage occurs due to overexertion. However, the tremendous pressures of the job can compel workers to push through any aches and pains — often to truly dangerous extents.
But, it’s crucial to stay safe on the job. Even if workers’ compensation offers coverage for overexertion injuries, it’s always wise to prevent them rather than treat them later. Here are some of the effective ways you can protect yourself from overexertion:
- Know Your Limits: Perhaps one of the most critical aspects for avoiding overexertion injuries at work or home is understanding your limits. Pay attention to your own body and try to be aware if the task is leading to cramps, muscle soreness, fatigue, or pain.
- Use Good Posture and Proper Body Mechanics: Using the correct technique in activities like lifting is extremely crucial for protecting joints, muscles, and ligaments against overuse. Poor posture and form are common causes of injury, incorporating the overexertion of the neck or back.
- Practice Proper Ergonomics: Try to set up your workstation in a way that emphasizes ergonomics and will help you stay comfortable throughout the day.
- Take Breaks: It is important to give your body some rest, even in the middle of the shift. Try to change positions every 20-30 minutes to refrain from putting excessive pressure on the same bones and muscles. Stretch your muscles and rehydrate to prevent fluid loss.
Injured at Work? Here’s What You Need to Do:
- It doesn’t matter if your injury is minor or severe. Get it evaluated by a healthcare professional immediately to identify the extent of the damage and get suitable treatment.
- Report the injury to the employer as soon as possible.
- Keep detailed records of the scenarios surrounding your injury, like what tasks you were performing, ways it occurred, and any contributing aspects like inadequate training or equipment malfunction.
- Consider getting legal representation, as you may receive compensation if the injury occurred due to negligence or safety violations.
- Lastly, focus on your physical and emotional well-being as you recover from the injury.
Final Thoughts
Overexertion is a hidden danger that numerous workers tend to overlook. By comprehending its risks and threats and advocating for balance, it is possible to create a healthy work environment.
So, let’s focus on self-awareness and encourage open conversations on overexertion,as a thriving workforce is a sustainable one.
