Christina FerraiuoloKSC Dietetic Intern

BACK PAIN IS THE MOST COMMON HEALTH COMPLAINT Performing the same improper movements daily

may not cause you pain at first.. then One simple movement such as reaching for something or bending your back can trigger pain. Most back pain occurs in adults aged 20 to 50

Symptoms can occur gradually and most often with improper movement while Lifting Twisting

Prevention is key in avoiding pain.

To recognize the major sources of back injury

To apply and demonstrate proper lifting techniques

To perform safe lifting through proper product storage

Can we describe a few? How do they cause injury?

Reaching items that are too high without using a step ladder

Bending with back instead of knees

Twisting lower back and waist instead of pivoting with legs

A FEW MORE SOURCES…

Not being stable when attempting to lift an item

Misinterpreting the load of the item

Reaching above the shoulders for an item

Not getting help if you need it

Pulling and pushing items that are too heavy

What are some good techniques?

What have you experienced?

Does anyone lift for fitness?

Store items on shelves based on weight

Size up a load before you lift it, determine if you can realistically lift it on your own

Test the weight first- how much does it weigh?

Use a wheeled cart, hand truck or mechanical device to assist you.

You can even dismantle the box to reduce the weight and size of the items.

PREVENTION CONTINUED…

Check to make sure the box is secure and that it wont fall apart when lifted

Check for hazards in your pathway before you lift to avoid loss of balance

Establish solid footing

Align the body with a straight posture

Have head in line with feet and legs

Keep feet shoulder width apart with one in front of the other

Face forward toward the item to be lifted

Tighten your stomach muscles to strengthen the back.

WHEN LIFTING…

Grip item with whole hand, not just the fingers

Get as close to the load as possible and bend with the knees bend with the front leg and use your body weight to

slowly lean into the load.

Avoid pulling or jerking loads on wheels

Pulling with one arm can cause back distress. It is safer to push.

Teamwork can enhance safe lifting with proper cooperation!

Work together at each stage of the movement, maintain a safe and comfortable speed and move as one.

A lift team is recommended when an item is more than 40 pounds.

SETTING DOWN ITEMS IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS LIFTING THEM! Mark very heavy loads on the box to alert

employees

When loading low shelves check your grip transfer the load to your legs as soon as possible bend your knees place a corner of the load on the rack slide your fingers free

Improper attire can interfere with the movement of a person carrying heavy objects. Baggy pants, slip on shoes, poor sole grips,

excessive hanging jewelry. Shoes must be nonporous upper with slip

resistant soles, closed heel and toe with dry and clean soles- non slip soles wont work if they are caked with food.

Loose clothes should be avoided because they could catch on items and cause a person to lose balance.

Store heavier loads and awkward loads at waist level (20 # or more)

Light items should be on the top shelf or near the floor where reaching and bending down low is necessary

Remove items from boxes and store as single units to avoid the need to lift or take down heavy items

Use for items on shelves that are higher than shoulder level

Stay balanced when using a ladder, do not take one foot off the ladder and do not overreach

Do not twist on the ladder with the item, this could cause back injury or fall

Check the route

Place heavy items on the bottom of the truck and lighter on top

Make more than one trip if needed, do not overstack truck

Do not walk backwards, push the truck do not pull it

Have a firm grip

SAFE TECHNIQUES WITH A DOLLIE

Keep the unit close to your body, don’t let it get away from you and cause strain to pull it close

When going downhill keep the truck in front of you and maintain control

When going uphill you can keep the truck behind you with

your body facing it pull with both arms evenly let your legs and body weight do the work