When talking about workplace injuries, the focus is most often on some of the more obvious causes, such as falling accidents, vehicular accidents, and electrocutions. However, one common factor in many of these other accidents is overexertion. But what exactly is overexertion, and how does it lead to so many workplace injuries?
Defining Overexertion
“Overexertion” is the broad term for any condition that is the result of someone overworking themselves or exposing themselves to dangerous environmental conditions for too long. The most common cause of overexertion is simply working for too long without sufficient breaks, but it can also be the result of moving heavy objects, as well as the result of extreme exposure to heat or cold. The more someone pushes their physical and psychological limits, the more likely it is that they will suffer from it, and potentially injure themselves as a result.
Injuries Caused By Overexertion
While it is cited as a factor in a large number of accidents, it does not take anything besides overexertion to potentially result in severe injuries. Some common injuries caused by overexertion include:
- Muscle strain or sprains
- Bone fractures
- Dislocations
- Slipped discs or hernias
- Heat exhaustion or heat stroke
- Hypothermia or frostbite
- Repetitive stress injuries
Overexertion as a Contributor to Other Workplace Injuries
Overexertion does not simply cause problems by itself. It also increases the odds of other accidents happening, with about a third of all workplace accidents citing it as a contributing factor. This is for a simple reason: people who overexert themselves tend to be more tired, less attentive, and in worse health overall. This makes it more likely for them to make mistakes that can result in a potential injury.
How Overexertion Happens
Overexertion is most commonly seen in professions that involve intense or repetitive physical activity, especially those that occur outdoors or in poorly ventilated enclosed spaces. For example, construction workers are extremely prone to overexertion, as are those who work in warehouses or other physically demanding jobs. However, even people who work relatively simple office jobs can be at risk, with carpal tunnel syndrome being a common sight among those who find themselves at a keyboard all day.
Identifying the Signs of Overexertion
Overexertion can be most easily identified because it tends to leave workers physically and mentally exhausted. This leaves them inattentive, and often with severe anxiety or mood-related issues. Those who are suffering from bone or muscle issues may experience pain, numbness, stiffness, weakness, or a tingling sensation in an affected area. People should especially watch for pain that only appears when moving a certain way, which can be a sign of a repetitive motion injury. If you have suffered any of these symptoms, you should contact a New York personal injury lawyer who can help you seek compensation for any harm you have suffered.
If you or a loved one have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you should seek out the personal injury lawyers at Zlotolow & Associates. Our seasoned New York personal injury attorneys bring more than two decades of trial experience to your case. We serve all five boroughs of New York City, as well as Nassau and Suffolk County. Our aggressive personal injury attorneys always demand maximum compensation. We have helped thousands of clients recover through settlements and courtroom verdicts. To schedule a consultation, you can call us at 866-800-0092, or you can visit our contact page.
