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Vermont Workplace Safety Can Help Prevent Overexertion Injuries

According to the National Safety Council, June is National Safety Month in the United States. As part of the month's activities, each week has different themes in order to call attention to certain safety issues.

This year, the second week has been named "Preventing Overexertion." The state of Vermont recognizes workplace safety as part of National Safety Month 2011.

What are overexertion injuries?

When a worker sprains or strains the lower back by moving in a certain direction, it could be classified as an overexertion injury sustained at work. A worker typically injures the lower back by pushing, pulling, or turning as well as by holding, lifting, lowering, or carrying an object that is too heavy. Overexertion injuries in Vermont often occur to manufacturing and construction workers, but can happen to any worker at any time. In fact, overexertion injuries affect about 3.3 million people a year, according to emergency room statistics.

If your job involves any of these movements, you may be at risk. When employees are exposed to safety risks at work, injuries can occur. Safety month not only encourages safety in the workplace, but it also allows businesses, individuals, and communities to show their support for preventing Vermont work accidents and injuries.

How can employers and workers prevent overexertion injuries?

In order to prevent overexertion in the workplace, certain safety steps should be taken. Employers should provide workers with back braces or safety equipment if they are lifting or carrying heavy items. If employers do not voluntarily provide braces or safety devices, workers should ask for them. Also, employers should provide their workers with ergonomic workspaces to help minimize work injuries from occurring.

Workers can reduce back strain by decreasing the amount of weight they carry. They also can take frequent breaks, stretch, lift properly with their knees, reduce the amount of weight they lift, and lift with their arms closest to their bodies. Most importantly, workers should voice their concerns to their employers if they are forced to work in awkward positions, must lift too much weight, or are not provided with the correct safety gear.

If you are injured at work in Vermont due to someone else's negligence, or if your employer did not provide you with the proper gear, training, or workspace, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your workplace injuries. Call an experienced Vermont workers' compensation attorney who can explain your rights under Vermont law. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of services, and other damages. Call the Law Office of Charles Powell at 877-295-7773 today to talk with a skilled Vermont work injury lawyer in a free consultation.