Workers’ compensation for back injury typically results due to improperly lifting heavy items. In fact, overexertion is the leading culprit of worker’s compensation claims, which obviously hurts both the company and the injured employee. Thankfully, a few simple, but safe practices involving heavy lifting in the workplace can help to prevent these types of injuries from occurring all together.
Identifying the Dangers
To prevent a claim for workers’ compensation for back injury, it is important to consider the following:
1. The Weight of the Object
The weight of the object should always be the first consideration. Larger loads such as spools of wire, heavy tools and beverage vending machines in Washington, DC can place additional stress on the muscles, vertebrae and discs in the spine. This creates unnecessary strain on your back. Lifting larger loads than you can handle manually should be avoided at all costs.
Solution: One possible solution is to make use of mechanical means such as a forklift. By utilizing available equipment when doing heavy lifting in the workplace, you can prevent injury and discomfort that manual labor may cause. Another viable option is to not try to carry heavy items by yourself.
2. Your Posture
Proper posture is essential to preventing http://www.monumentalvending.com/beverage-vending.php as a result of lifting heavy objects. Bending to lift heavy objects forces the back to take on the brunt of the weight of both the object and the upper body. Even lifting lighter objects can cause injury to the back when bending occurs.
Solution: Consider moving items closer to the body by using the legs to lift at lower levels. Minimize bending by placing objects on tables and shelving units when available. If injury occurs, don’t hesitate to contact a workers’ compensation lawyer Atlanta GA.
3. The Duration of the Lifting
The risks for back and shoulder injuries increases the longer you are holding and lifting heavy items. When in this position for a longer period, your muscles become fatigued and lack the proper nutrients to support them. As a result, waste products begin to build up, causing strain and pain on your back and shoulder regions.
Solution: Employees can operate in teams by alternating between lifting/ holding and the assembly process. Not only will this increase productivity but it will also to help prevent any injuries from a long duration of holding and lifting heavy items in the workplace, as well as the need for a workers’ compensation lawyer New York.
Protecting Your Back
One of the most important things to keep in mind when lifting heavy items in the workplace is back safety. By embracing the following suggestions, you’ll significantly reduce the chances of workers’ compensation for back injury:
- Warm up any cold muscles prior to lifting by stretching
- Only carry what the body can handle, never take on anything too heavy
- Use mechanical means whenever possible to help with the heavier loads
- Take frequent breaks
- Try pushing a heavier object rather than pulling. Less stress is placed on the body this way.
With the proper planning, and preparation, injuries due to heavy lifting in the workplace can be prevented. Utilizing machinery when necessary, working in teams, and learning how to lift properly without bending can help to create a more injury free workplace and prevent a claim for workers’ compensation for a back injury.