Many workplace injuries come from straining too hard while lifting something heavy. Often, this happens because a worker just wants to get a job done quickly. They know they should get someone to help, but that will take time, and they feel rushed.
That’s a recipe for disaster. It can lead to back sprains, spinal cord issues, muscle tears and much more. Lower back injuries often come from these events and then you may feel like it’s easier to throw your back out again for the rest of your life. To prevent an injury, ask yourself these questions:
- How heavy is the object? Can I reasonably lift it and carry it to the location where it’s needed?
- Is the item awkward? Even if you can lift it, you can still get injured when it shifts or tips.
- Is there anything in the way? If you trip over something because the item you’re carrying is too large and you can’t see, you can get hurt.
- Can I lift with my legs? If lifting with your back seems like the only way, don’t do it. Always lift with your legs.
- How far do I have to carry it? Just being able to pick something up doesn’t mean you can carry it across a warehouse without injury.
- Is there anyone around to help? When in doubt, the best thing to do is to ask for assistance, so you need to take stock of who is nearby.
These questions can help you approach the lift safely, but you may still get injured on the job. If you do, you need to know what legal options you have. When a workers’ compensation claim doesn’t go as expected, it’s important to seek out experienced assistance and protect your interests.
