5 Common Injuries From Lifting Heavy Objects at Work
Have you suffered a lifting injury? You are not alone! In 2017, there were more than 11,1000 work-related lifting injuries leaving workers in great pain. Let’s discuss 5 common lifting injuries and how you can prevent them.
Common Work-Related Lifting Injuries
1. Herniated Disc
Your disc provides cushioning between the spinal vertebrae. However, when lifting, the disc in the lower back may be pushed into the spinal canal, causing herniation. This causes a tingling or electric shock-like pain that radiates to other parts of your body.
2. Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
Lifting may make the ligament on your pelvic bone rub against the thigh bone, causing ITBS. Common symptoms include mild pain in your knees and hips that may worsen with time. While therapy may help ease the pain, serious conditions may require surgery.
3. Patellar Tendonitis
Patellar tendonitis occurs when the tissue in between your kneecap and your tibia bone is injured. This injury is common in workers who lift heavy weights as they continually exert excessive pressure on their knees. Once your patellar is injured, you may experience pain when walking or bending.
4. Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Rotator cuff tendonitis is an injury that occurs when the shoulder tendon is injured. An injured rotator cuff is associated with pain when trying to lift your arm beyond your shoulders.
5. Tennis Elbow
This is caused by the over gripping and repeated arm and wrist movements. Symptoms may include pain in the forearm and elbow.
Are There Safe Lifting Techniques You Can Adapt to Minimize Lifting Injuries?
Lifting objects with more than 50 pounds puts you at a higher risk of injuries. Therefore, you should generally use machinery when lifting heavy objects. Also, maintain a straight spine posture and bend at your knees when lifting manually. Finally, it would be best to place objects you are lifting at the power zone to help lift with less effort.
What Are Your Legal Options?
Most lifting accidents result in severe injuries that require extensive treatment, which can be incredibly costly. Fortunately, you can generally file a workers compensation claim. However, be aware that insurance companies are always looking for ways to discredit and deny these claims.
Contact Us for a Free Case Consultation!
Have you been hurt at work while lifting objects? At the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann we have 25+ years of experience protecting the rights of injured Missouri workers. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
