The Most Common Way Workplace Lifting Injuries Happen
Lifting injuries can cause incredible pain, stiffness, and immobility, and in some situations, when a lifting injury is severe, it can lead to permanent physical bodily harm. Workers who are employed in jobs that require physical labor are the most vulnerable to suffering a lifting injury. As a result, lifting injuries are commonly reported in construction, manufacturing, forestry, warehousing, healthcare, and more. While jobs that demand physical exertion put workers at higher risk for a lifting injury, any worker can suffer one.
Individuals in New Jersey and Pennsylvania who were injured at work may be able to obtain compensation depending on the case facts. If you suffered a lifting injury and would like to have assistance obtaining compensation for the losses you sustained, you are welcome to call Monaco Law PC to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
How Do Lifting Injuries Happen?
Recently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses occurred in the U.S. As many as 946,500 of these cases required several days off from work.
Overexertion and strain on the body can result in a worker being unable to complete the duties of their job, causing them to take time away from work. The goal is usually to recover and heal, but when it comes to severe lifting injuries, residual and chronic pain is not uncommon. Ongoing and long-term symptoms may persist and never get better.
To avoid a lifting injury at work, understanding the three main ways they happen can be helpful.
- There is a right way and a wrong way to lift objects. Improperly lifting anything, especially heavy objects, can cause the body to contort the torso and spine, damaging the body.
- Even when lifting is done correctly, wear and tear on joints and soft tissues can start to develop.
- Lifting objects that are far heavier than one can hold up can cause extreme overexertion, leading to sprains, strains, and inflammation. It is best to use assistive equipment such as dollies or forklifts or have help from fellow workers.
When a part of one’s job duties is to lift objects, it is essential that employers train employees on safe lifting practices. Additionally, in these jobs having access to assistive devices and other team members is critical. It is also key to ensure that workplaces are free of any type of hazards and also follow OSHA guidelines. Failing to provide employees with the necessary resources and support or not adhering to regulations can create an unsafe work environment.
Speak to a New Jersey and Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you were injured at work and would like to speak with an attorney at Monaco Law PC, you can call (609) 277-3166 for our New Jersey office and (215) 546-3166 for our Pennsylvania office to discuss your case today.
We are a New Jersey and Pennsylvania personal injury law firm serving Atlantic County, Bucks County, Burlington County, Cape May County, Camden County, Chester County, Cumberland County, Delaware County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia, Ocean County, Salem County, and all of South Jersey.
Source:
.bls.gov/opub/ted/2025/there-were-2-6-million-nonfatal-workplace-injuries-and-illnesses-in-2023.htm
