According to Travelers Companies, Inc.’s 2024 Injury Impact Report, 29% of workers’ compensation claims are due to overexertion. This type of claim can happen by pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying heavy objects.
If your employees do these activities consistently in their workday, provide them with adequate training and strategies to avoid costly workers’ compensation claims.
Assess Your Problem Areas
Look at areas in your business by evaluating workloads, processes, and resource allocation. Identify tasks or departments with frequent bottlenecks or overwhelmed employees. Review staffing levels to ensure workloads are evenly distributed. Encourage open communication so employees can share concerns about burnout or excessive demands.
Have the Right Equipment
Encourage the use of back braces, gloves, or anti-fatigue mats where necessary. Supply equipment like dollies, carts, or mechanical hoists to minimize heavy lifting. Invest in ergonomic and adjustable workstations and chairs for individuals
whose tasks include a lot of sitting.
Maintain Proper Positioning
Before you lift, stand close to the object with your feet shoulder- width apart and one foot slightly forward for stability. Squat down by bending your knees and hips while keeping your back straight. Keep your head up, and look straight ahead to avoid rounding your spine.
Grip the load securely, push through your heels, straighten your knees, and use your leg muscles to lift the item. Keep the item as close to your chest as possible to reduce strain on your back and avoid twisting.
Take Necessary Breaks
Encourage regular breaks to prevent overexertion and maintain energy levels. Provide training on managing workloads, or rotate employees across tasks to avoid repetitive motion injuries and muscle fatigue.
How to Report a Claim
Claims can be reported 24/7 using any of the following methods:
- Call our Clinical Consultation service at 866.764.7705 to receive immediate care recommendations, directions to a local medical provider, and to complete your first notice of injury.
- Complete the online claims form found on our website.
- Complete the Standard Intake Form and fax/email it to the contact listed at the top.