Tips to Prevent Overexertion Injuries On-the-Job in Florida

Florida workplace injuries occur every day. In fact, statistics show that a fatal injury occurs every 103 minutes in the U.S. and a disabling injury happens almost every eight seconds in this nation alone. Although, not all of those injuries are work-related, a good percentage is.

When jobs require physical labor activities, such as pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying of items, there is a frequency for more injuries to occur. If your job requires you to exert excessive physical efforts, you need to make sure you are doing the work properly.

Here are a few tips that can help prevent overexertion injuries when lifting:

• Routine exercising, stretching and strength training
• Having an ergonomic work environment
• Keeping your back straight while lifting
• Bending with your knees when lifting
• Keeping feet shoulder-width apart and lifting with your legs and not your back
• Reducing the amount of weight you lift
• Never lift anything with your arms extended - try to keep the item or load as close to your body as possible

 

You should also take frequent breaks when doing physical labor work activities. Stop and take a break if you experience any one of the following:

• Sore muscles
• Low abdominal pain
• Dizziness and/or nausea
• Profusely sweating
• High pulse rate

Employers should train you on proper safety and make sure that your work environment is ergonomically correct; however, there are other employers that do not provide safety training. If your employer does not train you how to perform your job safely or does not provide ergonomics and you are injured at work in Florida, they may be liable for your injuries.

Call a South Florida work injury lawyer to find out about your rights under Florida workers' compensation laws. Call the Law Office of David Benenfeld at 866-9 HELP NOW or 866-943-5766 to schedule a free legal consultation.

You can also request a FREE copy of attorney David Benenfeld's book: Hurt on the Job in Florida - What are my Rights?