Lifting and lowering injuries are one of the most common nonfatal accidents in the workplace and a frequent source of workers' compensation claims. They can impact workers in virtually any industry, especially those in construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and delivery services. Below, learn about the prevalent causes and types of lifting injuries.

Causes

Improper lifting technique is responsible for many injuries of this kind. This can be due to a lack of training or an error on the part of the worker. Heavy objects should always be lifted with the legs, not the back, and never raise them higher than shoulder level.

Some jobs require frequent heavy lifting, and this burden can be too taxing for certain workers. For instance, an employer might require you to routinely handle 50-lb. boxes, but this might simply be too heavy for your size or for existing mobility limitations. This greatly increases the risk of injury.

Employers should provide reasonable accommodations to make lifting easier: regularly scheduled breaks; handles or lift systems for heavy containers; and protective equipment like back braces, belts, and rubber mats. If an employer fails to provide these, lifting injuries—and workers' compensation claims—are more likely to result.

Types

Back problems often stem from lifting injuries. You might strain or sprain any of the muscles in the back, or you may experience a herniated disc, a painful condition triggered by the soft center of a spinal disc pushing through a crack in the bone casing. Shoulder injuries are also not uncommon. This includes damage to the rotator cuff, tendons, or bursa in the shoulder.

You might sustain joint damage as well. This is most likely to occur in the knees or hips because of the excess weight placed on these joints during the lifting movement.

If a lifting injury leaves you unable to work, the law firm of Henry & Williams, P.C., will help you pursue workers' compensation. They have more than 80 years of experience and represent clients throughout the West Plains, MO, region. Their work and personal injury lawyers will fight to get you the compensation you need. Call (417) 256-8133 to schedule a consultation or visit their website to browse their services.