How to Handle Overexertion in the Workplace

While your safety managers should ensure work practices comply with OSHA standards, most fail to take overexertion into account. Overworked and stressed employees can get seriously injured or ill on the job with time. This is why you should get Illinois workplace insurance as soon as possible.

How to Prevent Overexertion In The Workplace

Prevent that from happening and save yourself from an expensive lawsuit by following these tips:

Promote Safe Lifting Practices

Unsafe or careless lifting techniques can lead to serious workplace injuries. You can prevent your workers from hurting themselves with proper training as an employer. Some of the basic lifting practices they should know include the following:

• When lifting a heavy object, squat and let your leg muscles do the work. Do not bend or rely on your back muscles.
• Stabilize your center of gravity by ensuring your feet are shoulder-width apart before lifting a heavy object.
• Do not twist your body when you lift.
• If a load is too heavy for one person to lift, get help or use a loader or forklift machine.

Encourage Regular Stretching

If your muscles aren’t used to physical exertion and you feel a slight tinge of pain when you lift or throw something, that means your muscles are weak. Workers who spend hours sitting in front of their systems are at higher risk of muscle injuries. Encourage them to stretch their muscles and walk around to prevent this.

Consider Process Improvements

In most cases, process improvements can go a long way in reducing overexertion injuries from repetitive motion and strains. For example, rather than working while standing all day, the same job can be done while being seated. Similarly, if workers have to bend repeatedly to pick up materials as part of their job, the same process can be done on raised platforms. Your staff will be healthier, happier, and more motivated in both cases.

The Employer’s Role in Preventing Overexertion Injuries

Employers have control over certain risk factors that their workers cannot control. Most overexertion injuries are the result of the following:

• Long work hours without breaks.
• Lack of training.
• Forcing employees to take on tasks that are beyond their physical capabilities.

If overexertion injuries are reported on time and during employment, the worker can claim compensation. This is where Illinois workplace insurance can prove invaluable. While most of these injuries are preventable, employers should ensure their workers are adequately trained and have safety equipment to prevent such cases from occurring. Employees can seek compensation for lost income, medical bills, and other expenses if they experience a workplace injury.

Contact SIA Insurance Group for Illinois Workplace Insurance

If you are looking for insurance packages that can protect you and your business from costly liabilities, get in touch with us at SIA Insurance Group. Our 360 Insurance System can determine hidden threats your business may be facing. At this point, you should maximize your insurance coverage and reduce risks to protect and improve your bottom line.

We take a proactive approach to business insurance, and each client is handled promptly. Get in touch with us for a consultation today!