The National Safety Council (NSC) has released helpful information and materials on preventing ergonomic injuries, such as overexertion, as part of National Safety Month. According to the Injury Facts 2012 Edition, overexertion is the third leading cause of unintentional injuries in the United States, accounting for about 3.2 million emergency department visits.
Ergonomic conditions are disorders of the soft tissues often caused by factors such as overexertion while lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling or reaching, among other causes. Ergonomic conditions are best dealt with when caught early. Signs of ergonomic conditions include:
Ergonomic conditions are disorders of the soft tissues often caused by factors such as overexertion while lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling or reaching, among other causes. Ergonomic conditions are best dealt with when caught early. Signs of ergonomic conditions include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Tenderness
- Clicking
- Loss of grip strength
Education is the best tool to prevent ergonomic injuries. The NSC has prepared a poster, fact sheet, 5-minute safety talk in English and Spanish, and even a crossword puzzle to help.
- Visit the NSC Ergonomics page.
- Browse Safe Lifting signs at ComplianceSigns.com.
- Review stretching exercises for office workers recommended by the Mayo Clinic.
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