Risk Management’s Workers’ Compensation Unit defines an overexertion incident as one in which a person is injured as a result of putting excessive strain on some part of the body. A common example is a back injury sustained from awkwardly lifting a heavy object. Overexertion injuries are usually sprains, strains, hernias and cumulative trauma from repetitive motion. An overexertion injury occurs when a person works beyond his or her physical capacity. More specifically, the physical forces required to perform a task exceed the tolerances of the body. Poor physical condition, aging and its related loss of body flexibility, and obesity affect these tolerances.
For injuries occurring between the years 2006-2008, overexertion injuries accounted for over 28% of the 4011 total injuries sustained by City employees. Overexertion injuries also amounted to 31% of the $14 million paid for claims during this same time period. Overexertion injuries are preventable. For example, before you lift an object:
1. Size up the load. Determine whether you will need assistance.
2. Split up loads when possible to reduce weight.
3. Know when to get help. If an object is heavy, awkward or bulky, seek assistance from a co-worker or use a manual or mechanical lifting device (such as a dolly, cart, hand truck, or forklift). Never attempt to lift or carry an object by yourself if it weighs 50 pounds or more or if it just feels too heavy.
4. Ensure that you are wearing sturdy shoes or boots with good traction.
5. Get a firm footing. Then part your feet and put one foot slightly in front of the other.
6. Get as close to the load as possible and keep it close to your body when you are carrying it.
7. Bend at your knees – not at your waist – and lift with your legs.
8. Keep your back as straight as possible.
9. Get a good grip on the object. Grasp it firmly.
10. Don’t let the object bounce around.
11. Don’t twist your body.
12. Don’t carry objects higher than chest high.
13. When setting the object down, remember to bend at your knees—not at your waist.
Take control of your own well-being. Take periodic rest breaks when you become excessively tired or when you feel the need to re-energize. Give over-worked muscles a chance to recover. Take care of your body, eat well, exercise, and get proper rest to improve your overall health.
In the next issue of Insight, we will focus on proper workstation setup as a means of preventing another type of overexertion injury.
Sharon Bankes
Safety and Industrial Hygiene Administrator
Risk Management / Safety Unit
Resource: National Safety Council
