lifting things in the workplaceWhen you lift something at work that is too heavy or use improper technique, you can do a lot of damage to your body. Unfortunately, many people in Philadelphia and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania suffer from common injuries due to lifting on the job. If this has happened to you, it is important to know your rights.

At Shor & Levin, P.C., our PA workers’ compensation lawyers have helped many clients after a workplace lifting accident. We can assist you in seeking benefits that can pay for your medical bills and replace a portion of your wages as you recover.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation about your case.

Risks of On-the-Job Lifting Accidents

Common situations leading to lifting injuries include:

  • Lifting something that is too heavy and throwing your back out
  • Repeatedly lifting boxes onto a conveyer belt and wearing down your joints
  • Lifting something that falls on you and crushes a portion of your body
  • Bending or turning the wrong way as you lift something and damaging soft tissues such as ligaments, muscles and joints. 

Those in the construction, healthcare, manufacturing and trucking industries face a high risk of lifting injuries. However, these injuries can happen anytime and anywhere. For instance, an office manager could throw out his or her back getting a box of paperwork.

In any industry, the different on-the-job lifting injuries can largely be broken up into a few different causes, including:

  • Trauma
  • Repetitive motion
  • Crushing injuries
  • Overexertion. 

No matter what kind of injury you suffer because of on-the-job lifting activities, you should have the right to PA workers’ compensation benefits. In fact, workers’ compensation may be the only way to get coverage for your work injuries. 

How To Reduce the Risk of a Lifting Accident

Preventing an accident before it happens is always better than reacting after it occurs.

To reduce the chances of an on-the-job lifting accident:

  • Employers should comply with all rules set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to protect workers who are
  • Employees should check all items carefully before lifting them to make sure that all parts are firmly attached and unlikely to fall. 
  • Avoid one-handed lifting of objects. Put both hands in front of your body with the load you are carrying evenly distributed between both hands. 
  • Make sure you wear appropriate shoes to keep a firm footing on the ground. 
  • Wear supportive devices, including back braces or harnesses. 

Keep in mind: Your employer has a responsibility to try to make the workplace safe and not to ask you to lift something if it is dangerous to do so.  

Get Help from an Experienced PA Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

In almost every situation where you are hurt at work, you should get workers’ compensation benefits. If you are not receiving them, contact an experienced attorney for help.

At Shor & Levin, we not only help with workers’ compensation cases but we also represent clients in third-party lawsuits against non-employers and non-co-workers who may have caused your lifting injury. We can put our legal knowledge to work for you right away. Call today to learn more and receive a free consultation.

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