Back Injury Prevention in the Workplace

Fositi Marie Athey, OHST

Upon completion of the program, employees should:

Knowledge of Back Mechanics

Understand the most common types of back injury causes.

Demonstrate proper lifting techniques

Implement preventive measures

Achieve Target Zero

Leading cause of disability 80% of Americans have a back injury requiring

medical Second most common cause of lost work days Back injuries occur more often at home Injured backs are subject to re-injury Missed work, lifetime of pain Average cost of a back injury is 40-80K

To make on simple lift, your back uses:

Vertebrae (bones), nerves, discs,

ligaments, muscles, and tendons.

The basic function of the spine is to provide support for the upper body

Protect the spinal cord Allow for movements

such as bending and rotating.

The adult spine is made up of approximately 24 bones (vertebrae)

Stacked on top of each other from the bottom of the skull to the pelvis

Surround and protect the spinal cord and nerves

Bears about 80% of the load while standing

The discs function as the shock absorbers.

At birth discs are 80% water

There are 23 discs.

Discs are described as being like a jelly donut, but tougher.

Discs have very few nerve endings and no blood supply, no regeneration

Tendons are bands of tough, fibrous tissue that connect muscles to bones.

Ligaments, similar

to tendons, are

tough connective

tissue that connect

bones to bones.

Muscles provide

support and

movement for the

spine

Nerves travel down from the brain and group to form the spinal cord.

Arm pain - cervical disc herniation is usually accompanied by numbness/tingling and runs to the fingers.

Leg pain - lumbar disc herniation will usually run below the knee, and possibly to the foot, and may be accompanied by numbness

Back and neck problems are generally the result of repeated misuse or degeneration, rather than the result of one specific event.

It is not generally one movement, but rather the repetition, force and duration associated with the movement that leads to a back disorder.

Work habits and personal lifestyle habits Physical environment-force, repetition,

position Physical condition Previous injuries Attitude/stress Physical trauma (fall, car accidents, etc.)

Back problems are not just lifting problems.

Work Activities

Lifting a ten pound object actually puts 100 pounds of pressure on your lower back.

Avoid Lifting and Bending Whenever You Can!

Set the object on a table or other elevated surface instead of on the floor.

Raise / lower shelves or work areas.

Think Safe Zone where lifting is between your shoulders and your waist.

Put heavy objects on shelves at waist level, lighter objects on lower or higher shelves.

Use carts and dollies to move objects, instead of carrying them yourself.

Push- Don’t Pull Carts!

Size up the load

Weight

Shape and size

“Toe test”

Clear the path

Objects

Tight doorways or corners

1. Take a balanced stance with your feet about a shoulder-width apart. One foot can be behind the object and the other next to it. " Squat down to lift the object, but keep your heels off the floor. Get as close to the object as you can.

2. Use your palms (not just your fingers) to get a secure grip on the load. Make sure you'll be able to maintain a hold on the object without switching your grip later.

3. Lift gradually (without jerking) using your leg, abdominal and buttock muscles and keeping the load as close to you as possible.

4. Once you're standing, change directions by pointing your feet in the direction you want to go and turning your whole body.

5. Avoid twisting at your waist while carrying a load.

Designate one person to lead the lift

Lift at the same time Keep the load level Unload slowly together

General Industry/ Construction:

Powered equipment such as forklifts, powered carts, and electric pallet jacks

Hand trucks, carts, pallet jacks

Cranes and hoists

Conveyors

Healthcare: Gait or transfer belts, slide boards, transfer mats, mechanical lift equipment.

Most back injuries occur in the morning Warm up muscles, stretch Hydrate!

H2O

Walking Stretching Sit-ups Leg lifts Squats Proper diet Adequate Rest Stress Reduction

Technique is just as important as lifting Use your knees Keep your back straight Squat down with the load Do not bend your back over with the load Be careful of fingers Unload in a safe zone if possible

Finding Your Safety Zone

Between the Shoulders and Waist

Immediately after driving you have an increased chance of a lower back injury from lifting?

Neck, shoulder and back pain are common after sitting for long periods, and from whole body vibration.

Change seat position a notch or two as needed

Use lumbar support and seat cushions Adjust steering wheel periodically Rest/Stretch break 5 minutes every hour or so

Maintain the normal curves of the spine as much as possible.

Stand on anti-fatigue mats and/or wear soft-soled shoes or inserts.

Do not stand with your legs in a locked position.

Stretch periodically to give your back a break.

Maintain the normal curves in your spine.

Place feet comfortably on the floor or footrest.

Locate materials within arm’s reach.

Change positions frequently throughout the day.

Get Help! Think long term Don’t try to lift

too much Consider your

back in all things

Re-design work area to prevent twisting

and injury potential.

Rotate jobs so that long periods of standing or sitting are reduced

Take shorter, but more frequent rest breaks

Summary

Back injury statistics Mechanism of lifting Taking care of the Back Proper lifting techniques Identifying Hazards Correcting Hazards