CalGEO - The California Geotechnical Engineering Association

Industry News

August 8, 2008
Don't Underestimate Overexertion
By Judy Kerry

Manufacturing functions, including processing, production, and distribution of products, is generally fast passed and labor-intensive. Many activities involved in getting the product to market can be physically demanding. And, although some physical exertion is good for the body, overexertion can result in injuries, physical fatigue, reduced work efficiency and a decrease in the speed and quality of your work. Preventing injuries due to overexertion is a lot easier than correcting them. By implementing simple work practices, you can prevent many overexertion injuries.

Overexertion injuries are caused by tearing or stretching of tendons, ligaments or muscles when loads lifted, carried, pushed, pulled or otherwise handled exceed the limits of the joint system doing the work. The most important way to prevent injuries from overexertion is to correctly handle a load using proper lifting techniques and take rest breaks when you become excessively tired.

Throughout each manufacturing process activity, workers must remain aware of how they are physically performing to insure that they are following safe and healthy work practices and not overexerting themselves, especially when reaching for or lifting products and their containers. Even when product manufacturing is in full swing, workers should think about what they’re doing and how they’re doing it and keep in mind the correct handling procedures they’re been taught to employ.

Workers shouldn’t try to move or lift an object they can't safely handle. When in doubt, they should break down the load into smaller parts. If they can’t break a load down, they should use mechanical assists such as a hand truck, lifting device, forklift or cart. But, they should ensure that hand trucks, wheel barrels or other moving equipment are in good operating condition. The work saving device may put more strain on your body if it’s overloaded or doesn’t work properly. If the wheels on a cart are not aligned, they could strain your back, arms or shoulders when you try to move it. When no mechanical assists are available, ask for help from other workers.

Workers can protect themselves from overexertion strains, fatigue, and injury by taking care of their body, eating well, and exercising, and getting proper rest. Workers should be encouraged to stretch before work activities and during the day to increase flexibility. If muscles or ligaments have weakened over time from lack of exercise or age, they’re more susceptible to overexertion than if they’re physically fit. Encourage workers to take periodic breaks when they feel the need to re-energize and give over-worked muscles a chance to recover.

Monitor workloads to ensure that workers are performing at optimum efficiency but with minimum risk for overexertion injuries.

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