Not all workplace injuries are the result of serious, one-time accidents. For some victims, work injuries are the result of months or years of repetitive movements, improper techniques, prolonged activities or even sudden body movement. These can all contribute to something called overexertion, which can affect New Jersey workers across virtually all industries.
Overexertion occurs when someone pushes his or her body too hard and suffers an injury as a result. Since no two people are alike, this means that, if there are two workers doing an identical job, one might be fine while the other might ultimately suffer from overexertion. Things like age and medical history often factor into overexertion injuries, but so do environment and workplace settings. Overexertion can cause injuries such as:
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Strains
- And more
Sometimes, overexertion is the result of a one-time event, such as picking up a heavy item incorrectly or using the wrong safety gear. Sudden movements, such as twisting, bending or pushing can also result in overexertion, even when performing a task correctly. Activities that might contribute to overexertion over time include but are certainly not limited to:
- Poor desk ergonomics
- Typing
- Using a mouse
- Assembly line work
Many workers in New Jersey give their all at work, which is admirable. Unfortunately, this can also result in serious injury. Recovering from work injuries like overexertion can be time consuming too, keeping people out of work for weeks or even months. This can place a significant financial strain on victims, although one can usually address this with workers’ compensation benefits.