Work Safely
Nearly 13,000 American workers are injured each day and each injury is preventable.
Ergonomics and Overexertion
Overexertion causes 35% of all work-related injuries and is the No. 1 reason for lost work days. Regular exercise, stretching and strength training can prevent injury.
Likewise, poor ergonomics can lead to ergonomic injuries, often caused by excessive lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, reaching or stretching.
The first step to prevent these injuries is to know the signs. Ergonomic injury is cumulative. Symptoms can include everything from posture problems and intermittent discomfort, to tendonitis, chronic pain and disability.
Overexertion can be prevented
Regular exercise, stretching and strength training to maintain a strong core all are beneficial in preventing injury. The following are some additional tips for work and home:
- Plan your lift before you begin, keep your back straight and lift with your legs
- Limit the amount of time you spend doing the same motion over and over
- Take frequent breaks from any sustained position every 20-30 minutes
- If you work at a desk, move frequently used items close to you, use a footrest and adjust the height of your computer