Nashville Outdoor Workers: Don’t Get Injured for a Paycheck

Recently, a worker was injured when a tree fell on him, while clearing a road in Bellevue, according to WMC Action News 5. This accident highlights how workers can stay safe on the job.

The worker was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to News 5. According to a report released by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about three million on-the-job injuries that occur each year. Though not all workplace injuriesare preventable, there are ways for Nashville employees to try to stay safe.

Here are a few tips.

Lift With Ease

Some jobs require workers to lift and carry objects over a certain weight on a daily basis. However, injuries can occur if an object is not lifted correctly. Lifting heavy items is one of the leading causes of injury in the workplace, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

If a worker does not properly lift an object, it can result in chronic lower back pain that can worsen overtime, according to OSHA. Workers can limit the weight they lift to no more than 50 pounds to prevent any strain on their back. If an object is heavier than 50 pounds, use two or more people to lift it, according to OSHA. Workers could use available machines such as forklifts or pallet jacks to lift objects that are too heavy.

Drink Plenty of Water

Workers who are outside in the sun all day must drink plenty of water to keep from fainting or suffering a stroke. They can become dehydrated quickly when out in the sun, their body losing about two liters of water per hour through sweat, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Workers can stay properly hydrated and maintain a safe body temperature by drinking a cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes, according to OSHA. The agency also recommends that a worker keep a water bottle within easy reach at all times. Workers should make sure to drink before, during, and after any physical labor to replace body fluid lost in sweating.

Don’t Overexert Yourself

Workers can overexert themselves as they race to meet a deadline or finish a job before the end of their shifts. Overexertion is the most common type of workplace injury and is caused by physical strains to the muscles, when pulling, lifting or carrying an object, according to the National Safety Council. Overexertion can lead to extreme fatigue or a chronic injury to the lower back or body joints.

It is important that a worker knows their limit when lifting or carrying an object to help prevent injury. As mentioned above, workers can limit the weight they lift to no more than 50 pounds, or whatever they are capable of lifting. Workers should also avoid twisting when lifting to not cause a back strain, and should put down an object immediately if they feel this, according to the National Safety Council.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Workers should always be aware of what is going on around them during work. They should survey their work area and ensure that there is adequate space to do the job, according to OSHA. They should also make sure that there are no obstructions that might prevent a problem while working.

On a worksite, there should be one person who is capable of identifying hazards that may prove dangerous to employees. This person should quickly eliminate the hazard if possible, so that no one gets hurts, according to OSHA. However, all workers should practice situational awareness in order to not be injured.

But What If You Still Get Hurt?

There are many hazards on a worksite, but by following these tips you can try to stay safe and prevent injuries from occurring. Nevertheless, accidents while working can happen when least expected. If your worker’s compensation claim has been denied or you encounter other issues with your claim, read more to learn what our workers compensation attorney can do for you. Fill out our free-no risk, case evaluation form if you believe you have a claim.