New Jersey’s health care workers dedicate their lives to caring for others. However, the nature of their job can often lead to overexertion injuries that cause pain and discomfort.
Overexertion injuries occur when individuals push their bodies beyond their limits. Health care workers are susceptible to these injuries due to the physically demanding nature of their jobs. Lifting patients, moving heavy equipment and standing for extended periods strains health care worker bodies, which in turn makes these professionals vulnerable to overexertion injuries.
Common overexertion injuries
While overexertion injuries result from a variety of causes, research shows that the majority of overexertion injuries in health care result from manual patient handling, or workers moving heavy patients. Many health care workers experience muscle strains in their backs, shoulders and necks due to lifting or transferring patients without proper assistance or technique. Sprains are also common. Health care professionals may suffer sprains in their wrists, ankles or knees while moving patients or equipment.
Repetitive tasks, such as typing patient information or administering medication, may also lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes pain, numbness and tingling in the hands. Overexertion may also lead to extreme fatigue, which can affect a health care worker’s overall well-being as well as his or her job performance.
Overexertion injury prevention
Comprehensive training in body mechanics and lifting techniques helps reduce the risk of injuries in the medical field. The use of lifting aids and equipment also helps reduce the strain on health care workers’ bodies when moving patients. Getting adequate rest is also important and gives employees a chance to recharge, reducing the risk of fatigue-related injuries.
By recognizing the importance of preventing overexertion injuries among health care professionals, employers can better support members of their care teams and enhance their longevity in the field.