WorkSafe helps employees and businesses affected by poor occupational health in Wichita, KS, including victims of overexertion injuries in the workplace. What causes these types of health setbacks, and how do you avoid them? This guide explores the common practices that injure workers as well as steps that employers can take to keep their staff safe.
What Are Overexertion Injuries?
Your body can only handle so much before physical pain or discomfort takes over. Healthcare professionals classify this as an overexertion injury. The pain may stem from activities like lifting, pushing, or pulling objects.
Even sitting in an uncomfortable position or standing on a hard surface for a prolonged period could be detrimental to your health. Sustaining these injuries can leave you dealing with symptoms like:
- Pain and discomfort
- Joint stiffness
- Decreased range of motion
- Limited mobility
- Fatigue
Recognizing the causes and symptoms of overexertion or repetitive motion injuries is essential for early intervention. You can quickly seek treatment for your condition and prevent further health risks by understanding your limits.
Common Ways Workers Overexert Themselves on the Job
You don’t have to work an extremely physically demanding job to develop strain and sprain injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, and other health issues. Various joints and muscle groups are subject to these conditions, but knee, back, and shoulder tension are most common.
Overexertion injuries in the workplace affect workers across all sectors. They can be the result of:
- Lifting items
- Pulling or pushing objects with force
- Throwing certain objects
- Bending or twisting the body
- Repeated kneeling
- Repeating motions like typing or using a computer mouse
Working in extremely hot conditions can also cause the body to reach its breaking point. Employees in these dangerous environments, such as construction workers, can suffer from extreme fatigue or heat exhaustion.
Why Workplace Ergonomics Matter
Oftentimes, employees overexert themselves on the job because of poor ergonomics. An injury stemming from unsuitable conditions puts businesses and employees at a major disadvantage. Drawbacks include:
- Hurt employees facing long-term health problems
- Workers needing time off and losing wages
- Staff members acquiring large medical expenses for treatment
- Businesses losing productivity
- Employees needing to leave their position
Balanced ergonomics alleviates these issues and promotes improved health among employees. Don’t underestimate the importance of creating a safe, comfortable work environment. Make the appropriate adjustments at your business to avoid unwanted setbacks.
How Businesses Can Cultivate a Happy, Healthy Workforce
Do you want to keep your workforce in excellent health? Making your business safer starts with a few simple steps, such as:
- Improving workstations: Employees who slouch toward computers on uncomfortable chairs may experience neck or back injuries due to overexertion. Consider upgrading your chairs or adding standing desks to workstations.
- Encouraging breaks: Allow your staff to take breaks when necessary so they can stretch and relax.
- Enhancing training procedures: If a job requires physical labor, train new hires to perform tasks with minimal risk of overexerting themselves.
- Evaluating safety protocols: Review the procedures you ask employees to follow and adjust them if workers get hurt. A moving company, for example, might change its protocols to reduce lifting and carrying hazards.
Explore Injury Prevention Programs To Reduce Pain and Discomfort
One of the best ways to avoid overexertion injuries in the workplace is to invest in comprehensive prevention programs. Team up with an occupational health expert to evaluate your job environment and recommend solutions. Programs may include:
- Posture education
- Ergonomics assessments
- Early injury intervention
If someone experiences the symptoms of a muscle strain or similar condition, experts can recommend physical therapy to strengthen the soft tissue.
What To Do If You Sustain an Injury at Work
Getting hurt on the job is never ideal. If you end up in this position, report the injury right away to a supervisor. They’ll notify their workers’ compensation insurance provider so you can file a claim.
Seek medical treatment right away to prevent your symptoms from escalating. It’s important to understand the movement or conditions that caused your injury and avoid repeating them. Continuing to strain your body could lead to long-term health problems.
Contact WorkSafe – Wichita’s Leader in Occupational Health Solutions
Don’t lose valuable members of your staff due to overexertion injuries in the workplace. Team up with WorkSafe and let our professionals enhance health and safety with physical ability testing, ergonomics evaluations, onsite physical therapy, and more. We’re experts in preventing common warehouse injuries and helping hurt workers recover.
Call (316) 262-8800 to learn more about our services and discover how we can help you.