Overexertion remains one of the leading causes of workplace injuries, especially in physically demanding jobs where lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects is routine. According to Magid’s article on keeping workers safe from overexertion, overexertion injuries account for more than 22% of all nonfatal injuries requiring days away from work. That’s a significant toll on worker health and productivity.
The Big Toe Test – Simple Yet Powerful
One of the most practical takeaways from the article is the “big toe test.” This concept encourages workers to pause before lifting and ask themselves: “Can I lift this item without curling my toes for extra leverage?”
If the answer is no, then it’s a red flag. This small cue from your body can indicate the load is too heavy or awkwardly shaped, and that lifting it without help or equipment could lead to injury.
Why Overexertion Matters in Ergonomics
From an ergonomic standpoint, overexertion is often the result of excessive force, poor postures and lifting techniques, inadequate training, or ignoring body cues—like the big toe test. Injuries most often affect the back, shoulders, and knees and can result in chronic pain or long-term issues if not addressed.
Poor ergonomic practices can lead to:
- Fatigue
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Herniated discs or lower back injuries
Practical Solutions to Reduce Risk
- Listen to Your Body
- Use cues like the big toe test. If something feels too heavy—it probably is. Don’t override that signal.
- Use the Right Equipment
- Leverage carts, dollies, or lifting aids when appropriate. Don’t make lifting a test of strength; make it a task of strategy.
- Team Lifting
- If something is bulky or heavy, ask for help. One extra set of hands now could prevent weeks or months of recovery later.
- Train Smart
- Proper training is essential and available. CSU offers a comprehensive online Back Safety Training course, designed to help employees understand how to lift safely, recognize ergonomic risks, and adopt long-term injury prevention habits.
Don’t Skip the Ergonomic Evaluation
In addition to training and safe lifting practices, one of the best ways to prevent overexertion injuries is through an ergonomic evaluation. Whether you’re working in an office, custodial services, food service, animal care, or an industrial setting, an evaluation can identify risk factors related to posture, repetitive movements, or poorly designed workstations. CSU offers both industrial ergonomic evaluations and office ergonomic evaluations to help tailor solutions to your specific work environment. These assessments provide specific recommendations that support safer work practices and promote long-term health & well-being. Having an ergonomic risk assessment is a great step toward reducing injury risk and improving comfort and efficiency on the job.
Final Thoughts
Many overexertion injuries are preventable! Tools like the big toe test are simple ways to promote self-awareness and make safer decisions on the job. Pair that with smart ergonomics, proper equipment use, and effective training like CSU’s back safety course, and you’re well on your way to reducing risk and protecting your workforce.
Stay safe, lift smart, and trust your toes—they often know the risk before you do.
