Overexertion is the number one cause of injuries on the job, according to Liberty Mutual's 2002 Workplace Safety Index. So what can you do to prevent these costly injuries that come from excessive lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying of an object?

Here's Liberty Mutual's advice:

  • Evaluate production, storage and display workflows to remove excessive reaching, bending, pushing, pulling, lifting, loading and unloading.
  • Use mechanical lifting aids such as hoists or adjustable lift tables to reduce the need to bend, reach and twist. Use carts, tables or other mechanical devices to move and position heavy objects.
  • Design jobs to allow sufficient rest pauses.