Are you required to lift heavy objects as part of your job requirements? Has your employer ever asked you to do a bit of heavy lifting that you are not regularly required to do as part of your job? Employers will sometimes utilize employees when moving the office or placing items into long-term storage. These employees probably think nothing about the minor aches and pains they experience after moving heavy objects. However, those minor aches and pains can be a reason for filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Regardless of whether the heavy lifting is a daily task or something performed occasionally, you may be entitled to receive workers’ comp benefits if you are injured on the job. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises that heavy lifting is one of the most common causes of workplace injuries. If you have been injured at work, call our Boca Raton workers’ comp attorneys at 1-800-333-3903 for a free consultation.

Common Workplace Injuries Associated with Heavy Lifting

Heavy lifting can cause a variety of workplace injuries. Some of the most common injuries associated with heavy lifting include:

    • Pulled muscles
    • Back sprains
    • Injuries to the spine
    • Elbow injuries
    • Wrist injuries

It is very important to report any pain that you experience after lifting heavy objects. The minor ache you feel could be the sign of a far more serious heavy lifting injury. Always report any pain to your employer and request medical attention. If your employer refuses to approve medical treatment, contact a Boca Raton workers’ comp attorney immediately. Ignoring the pain from heavy lifting could result in a permanent disability.

Tips for Avoiding Injuries from Heavy Lifting

OSHA advises that lifting any item can cause injury if care is not taken when performing the task. However, if the weight of the item exceeds 50 pounds, your risk for injury increases. Forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks are highly recommended for lifting heavy objects or objects with a total weight of 50 pounds or more.

When you are lifting heavy objects, practice these methods to decrease your risk of injury:

    • Bend at the knees and not at the waist;
    • Keep your spine alignment straight;
    • Keep items you are lifting as close to your body as possible;
    • Don’t twist when lifting the object;
    • Place heavy objects on ground level to avoid bending your body when picking up the heavy objects;
    • Keep elbows close to your body while carrying heavy objects; and,
    • Don’t carry objects of different sizes together because this makes it more difficult to balance.

When moving heavy objects, it is best to work with another person to decrease the risk of injury. It is also advised the employees take frequent and regular breaks to avoid overexertion. Remember, even when items are not heavy, you can sustain an injury from repetitive movements or when lifting heavy objects over an extended period of time.

Call A Boca Raton Workers’ Comp Lawyer for Help

If you have been injured at work, we want to help you receive the full workers’ comp benefits you are entitled to receive by law. Your employer and its insurance carrier may not explain your full legal rights. Our Boca Raton workers’ comp attorneys work to protect your rights and your best interests if you have been hurt at work.

Contact The Broderick Law Firm, P.L. today by calling 1-800-333-3903 to speak with an attorney.