1. overexertion

2. Defining Overexertion A non-impact injury resulting from excessive physical effort Lifting Pulling Pushing Turning Most common injuries are strains and sprains, especially of the back Affects people differently • Wielding • Holding • Carrying • Throwing 2

3. Current Data • Widespread problem: • #2 nonfatal injury after falls in general population: 4.6 million medically-consulted episodes in ’06 • #1 cause of nonfatal disabling work injuries • #6 among Emergency Department visits:1.8 million in 2005 • #1 Cause of DAFW: 298,000 cases in 2006

4. Understanding Data Overexertion by Part of Body Workplace Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

5. Understanding Data Overexertion by Detailed Event Workplace Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

6. Sprain/Strain Incurred Costs Source: National Council on Compensation Insurance.

7. Understanding Data • Workplace overexertion injuries in decline but too high • Injury occurs in most occupations but rates highest for: • Nursing aids and orderlies • EMTs and paramedics • Laborers and material handlers • Injuries most often occur in the first 2 to 4 hours of starting work

8. Understanding Data • Most overexertion injuries occur in the first half of the day • Injury rates are higher among males • Overexertion injury spans all ages, but peak in the 35-44 age group • Injuries occurring at home or in the community are increasing

9. Solution/Prevention • Protect your back, use safe lifting techniques • Practice these basics: • Stretch and warm up before lifting • Never bend or twist the back when lifting • Never lift with arms extended • Make sure your footing is solid • Lift with your legs, not your back • Limit the amount of weight you carry • Get help to carry heavy, bulky or large loads

10. Solution/Prevention • Receive proper training to use tools and equipment • Keep tools and equipment in good condition • Allow enough space to work in a neutral position • Take short rests in between strenuous activities • At work, report any discomfort or injury experienced when working

11. Solution/Prevention • Begin each day with light warm-up exercises and stretching • Routinely exercise* to strengthen your joints without overexerting by doing low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling or walking • Consult a medical professional immediately if you experience joint pain or discomfort *First consult with a medical professional if >35 years old or a smoker

12. NSC Strategy to Address Data • Document science and evaluate solutions • Develop programs • Legislation: connect national to local interests • Develop recognized expertise • Partnerships • Develop NSC public policy statements • Work the issue at every level

13. You Can Get Involved Draw attention to the problem • Share what you learned today and encourage others to learn more • nsc.org National Safety Council website • cdc.gov Center for Disease Control website • Promote overexertion prevention during National Safety Month (June) nsc.org/nsm • Provide training: nsc.org/train • Donate to Friends of Safety – nsc.org