Lifting heavy objects is one of the most frequent causes of work injuries. Unfortunately, too many workplaces fail to ensure employees have the training and equipment to safely lift and move heavy items. If you lift heavy objects as part of your job, knowing how to prevent lifting injuries is crucial to avoiding debilitating injuries that can leave you out of work.
Common Injuries That Occur from Heavy Lifting on the Job
Heavy lifting can put intense physical strain on the body and cause damage and injuries, such as:
- Back injuries, including herniated spinal discs
- Neck injuries, including strains or aggravating nerves
- Shoulder injuries, such as rotator cuff tears
- Knee injuries, including ligament sprains or tears
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Bone fractures
How to Prevent Lifting Injuries at Work
Employers should provide their employees with equipment and training to prevent injuries when lifting heavy objects.
Workers who frequently lift heavy objects can also follow these tips to help prevent lifting injuries at work:
- Assess the load. Check the weight of any object you lift before picking it up to move it. Avoid lifting anything that is too heavy or prevents you from moving comfortably.
- Warm up and stretch. Consider doing a few stretches to warm up muscles and tissues that will take the strain of lifting.
- Maintain proper posture. Always lift using your legs, not your back. Keep your spine straight as you pick up and put down objects.
- Use mechanical aids. For hefty objects, consider using equipment such as dollies, winches, and pneumatic lifts.
- Organize and plan your workspace. Move any clutter or tripping hazards out of your path before you lift.
- Communicate and seek assistance. Lift with help from other people whenever possible.
- Take breaks and rotate tasks. If you need to carry something over a longer distance, take frequent breaks and switch positions with other people helping you lift.
- Training and education. Ask your employer to provide training on properly lifting and carrying objects you need to move as part of your job.
- Stay physically fit. Keeping fit and building strength will make lifting heavy objects more manageable and reduce the strain on your body.
- Report hazards and injuries. Stop lifting if you feel pain or discomfort. If you suffer an injury, tell your supervisor and seek medical treatment.
How Our Lawyers Help People with Workplace Lifting Injuries
At Jebaily Law Firm, our legal team diligently pursues compensation for clients who have suffered workplace lifting injuries. Our firm will handle all the details of your case so you can focus on treating your injuries and getting back to work.
We can help by:
- Investigating the work accident to secure evidence for your injury claim
- Documenting your medical expenses and financial losses to help you receive maximum compensation
- Filing your workers’ compensation claims
- Taking your claims to administrative hearings to fight for the compensation you deserve
Contact a Florence Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you suffered an injury at work due to heavy lifting, the Florence personal injury lawyers at Jebaily Law Firm want to help you pursue the compensation you need for your medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost income, and other losses. Contact us today for a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options with an experienced repetitive lifting injury attorney.
