Overexertion causes 35 percent of all work-related injuries and is the main type of injury cited in workers’ compensation claims. Overexertion injuries occur when a person works beyond their physical capacity and places too much stress on their body. These injuries are generally caused by pushing, pulling, and carrying heavy items, typically within the scope of someone’s employment.
However, while many don’t think overexertion is much to worry about, that’s not true. Overexertion injuries are the main reason workers lose time from work, which often means losing money on their paycheck. While workers’ compensation can make up for some of that lost income, you’ll still miss the one-third of your check workers’ compensation doesn’t cover. To prevent that from happening, below are some tips to help you stay healthy and uninjured.
Get Help
It’s easy to get busy with work and think you can handle something yourself. Mid-lift though, you may find the load is really too much for you to bear on your own. At these times, you need to ask for help. Don’t push yourself, or feel as though you should be able to complete the task. This will only result in a tear, strain, or sprain that will require a workers’ compensation claim.
Plan Your Lift
The saying, “Lift with your legs, not your back,” holds true and is one of the best ways to prevent an overexertion injury. Unfortunately, too many workers forget this adage as they become busy in the middle of the workday and often just want to complete the task at hand. When doing any heavy lifting, it’s important to remember to bend your knees, lift your legs, and tighten your core. This will reduce unnecessary strain on your back, the main part of the body that becomes hurt in an overexertion injury.
Take a Break
Sometimes while at work, people tend to realize they need a break but think they can power through. It’s understandable – they just want to get the job done. However, areas such as your back and shoulders can’t just power through. Your muscles, tendons, and ligaments all need a rest when you’re exerting yourself, and it’s important that you provide them with one. While resting, also try to stay hydrated. That can help combat overall fatigue, which will go a long way in preventing an overexertion injury. Any time you are in a sustained position, you should take a break every 20 to 30 minutes.
When Prevention Isn’t Enough, Call a Lancaster Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Many workers head off to the job every day with these prevention tips in mind. Sometimes, though, they’re just not enough. Even when trying to take the best care of your body, injuries still sometimes happen, particularly on the job. When they do, you need an experienced Lancaster workers compensation lawyer in South Carolina working for you.
At the Elrod Pope Law Firm, that’s what we do. We help those hurt claim compensation for their injuries every day, and we want to help you, too. Call us at (803) 599-3080 or fill out our online form to learn more about how we can assist with your workers’ compensation claim. We’ll walk you through the application process, help you gather medical records, take necessary depositions, and litigate cases when necessary before a judge. Don’t go through this process alone. Give your application the best chance of success and contact us today for your free consultation.
