Overexertion

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overexertion
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Defining Overexertion

• A non-impact injury resulting from excessive
  physical effort
• Lifting
• Pulling
• Pushing
• Turning
• Most common injuries are strains and sprains,
  especially of the back
• Affects people differently

• Wielding
• Holding
• Carrying
• Throwing

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Current Data

• Widespread problem
• 2 nonfatal injury after falls in general
  population 4.6 million medically-consulted
  episodes in 06
• 1 cause of nonfatal disabling work injuries
• 6 among Emergency Department visits1.8 million
  in 2005
• 1 Cause of DAFW 298,000 cases in 2006

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Understanding Data
Overexertion by Part of Body
Workplace Data
Source Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Understanding Data
Overexertion by Detailed Event
Workforce Data
Source Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Sprain/Strain Incurred Costs
Source National Council on Compensation
Insurance.
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Understanding Data

• Workplace overexertion injuries in decline but
  too high
• Injury occurs in most occupations but rates
  highest for
• Nursing aids and orderlies
• EMTs and paramedics
• Laborers and material handlers
• Injuries most often occur in the first 2 to 4
  hours of starting work

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Understanding Data

• Most overexertion injuries occur in the first
  half of the day
• Injury rates are higher among males
• Overexertion injury spans all ages, but peak in
  the 35-44 age group
• Injuries occurring at home or in the community
  are increasing

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Solution/Prevention

• Protect your back, use safe lifting techniques
• Practice these basics
• Stretch and warm up before lifting
• Never bend or twist the back when lifting
• Never lift with arms extended
• Make sure your footing is solid
• Lift with your legs, not your back
• Limit the amount of weight you carry
• Get help to carry heavy, bulky or large loads

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Solution/Prevention

• Receive proper training to use tools and
  equipment
• Keep tools and equipment in good condition
• Allow enough space to work in a neutral position
• Take short rests in between strenuous activities
• At work, report any discomfort or injury
  experienced when working

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Solution/Prevention

• Begin each day with light warm-up exercises and
  stretching
• Routinely exercise to strengthen your joints
  without overexerting by doing low-impact
  exercises such as swimming, cycling or walking
• Consult a medical professional immediately if you
  experience joint pain or discomfort

First consult with a medical professional if gt35
years old or a smoker
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NSC Strategy to Address Data

• Document science and evaluate solutions
• Develop programs
• Legislation connect national to local interests
• Develop recognized expertise
• Partnerships
• Develop NSC public policy statements
• Work the issue at every level

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You Can Get Involved

• Draw attention to the problem
• Share what you learned today and encourage others
  to learn more
• nsc.org National Safety Council website
• cdc.gov Center for Disease Control website
• Promote overexertion prevention during National
  Safety Month (June) nsc.org/nsm
• Provide training nsc.org/train
• Donate to Friends of Safety