Back Injury PreventionBack Injury Prevention

JOBJOB WORKERWORKER

MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT

INJURYINJURY

Back Injuries Aren’t Just Due to Aging

Back Injuries Aren’t Just Due to Aging

• “Overexertion in lifting a heavy object is the most frequent single “lost day” type injury for those under 20 years of age.”

Source: American Society of Safety Engineers (2003)

Back Injury PreventionBack Injury Prevention

1. Back basics

2. Back risk factors

3. Lifting solutions

4. Proper lifting techniques

Stages of Back DisorderStages of Back Disorder

Pain

Impairment

Disability

Compensation

Is There a Concern?Is There a Concern?

• How many currently experience back pain?– 31 million Americans

experience lower back pain.

• Onset of Low Back Pain– 60% feel no sudden pain– Symptoms often begin after work ends

• Recurrence is High

Back BasicsBack Basics

My Name Was Earl

Major Back Injury Major Back Injury

Bulging Disk Herniated Disk

Risk Factors—OccupationalRisk Factors—Occupational

• Body Motions– Lifting/Lowering – Bending/Reaching

– Twisting

– Pushing/Pulling– Carrying/Holding

• Posture• Vibration• Falling

Risk Factors—Non-OccupationalRisk Factors—Non-Occupational

• Prior episode

• Smoking

• Obesity

• Genetic factors

Engineer ControlsEngineer Controls

• Eliminate (Engineer Hazard Out)

• Workplace design

• Tool design

• Preplan process

Eliminate the LiftEliminate the Lift

Use mechanical lifts when possible

Administrative ControlsAdministrative Controls

• Training of employees

and management

• Job rotation

Job RotationJob Rotation

Rotate to non-lifting tasks

Pay Special Attention Pay Special Attention

1. Heavy lifting

2. Frequent lifting

3. Awkward lifting

Reduce Heavy LiftingReduce Heavy Lifting

• 60-70 pound wood pallet

• “Substitute”

• 20 pound plastic pallet

Reduce Size of BoxReduce Size of Box

Common sense controls

Reduce Heavy LiftingReduce Heavy Lifting

Use mechanical assistance

Slide Instead of LiftSlide Instead of Lift

Reduce Heavy Lifting Reduce Heavy Lifting

Team Lifting*

Reduce FrequencyReduce Frequency

Mechanical Assistance

Reduce FrequencyReduce Frequency

Use Mobile Storage*

Reduce Awkward LiftingReduce Awkward Lifting

Raise load mechanically

Awkward LiftingAwkward Lifting

Add Handles

Lifting ToolsLifting Tools

Impacto Liftmate – www.ergobilities.com

SoloLift DualMate

Awkward LiftingAwkward Lifting

Rearrange Storage

Awkward LiftingAwkward Lifting

• Mechanical assistance

• Stacker – stacks up to

12 feet high

Awkward LiftingAwkward Lifting

To reduce twisting – use conveyors *

Size Up The LoadSize Up The Load

Make sure you can

lift the weight.

Test load by picking

up one end!

Proper LiftingProper Lifting

• Think defensively about your back

• Use common sense

• Follow good lifting techniques

• Keep load close to body

Lifting Power ZoneLifting Power Zone

Baseball Strike Zone

Lifting TechniquesLifting Techniques

• Lift with your legs, not your back

• Place your feet close to the object

• Center yourself over the load

Lifting TechniquesLifting Techniques

• Bend your knees

• Get a good hand hold

• Lift straight up smoothly

Don’t Twist or Turn Don’t Twist or Turn

• Feet facing the lift

• Keep it steady

• No twisting/turning

Know Your Path! Know Your Path!

• Is your path clear?

• Are there any holes?

• Are there any spilled liquids?

• Check your footing.

Set it Down SafelySet it Down Safely

• Just as critical to back safety as lifting

• Bend knees slowly

• Let legs do the work

• Don’t let go of the load until it is secure on the floor

Push vs. PullPush vs. Pull

• If the object is on rollers, push

• Pushing puts less strain on your back

• Uses largest muscle group

Additional Factors Additional Factors

• Straighten up!

• Get in shape!

• Stretch!

• Relax!

Additional InformationAdditional Information

Click on “Safety”

Safety Videos

Sample Programs

Safety Links

Safety Talks

Posters & Forms