Presented by

Tom Tamshen, CSP

Pinnacol Assurance

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Introduction

Despite the advances, nearly 80% of the population will experience back pain at some time in their life.

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1996 Leading Causes of Lost Time Injuries

1. Overexertion

2. Struck by, against, caught

3. Fall

4. Chemical Exposure

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COLORADO Work Related Injuries

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Lost time injury by type

Strained by

LiftingHolding or

CarryingPushing or

Pulling

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Back Injury Prevention

Objectives Improve understanding of the anatomy, function and

limitation of the spine & back. Identify workplace risk factors. Discuss proper lifting techniques. Demonstrate stretching and conditioning techniques

for strengthening back and abdominal muscles

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Back/Spine Anatomy

• Vertebra

• Ligaments

• Muscles

• Tendons

• Disc

• Nerves

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Get To Know Your Back

The bones, or vertebrae, together make up the spine. The basic function of the spine is to provide support for the upper body, protection of the spinal cord and allow for movements such as bending and rotating.

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Get To Know Your Back• The discs function

as the shock absorbers of the spine.

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

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Get To Know Your Back

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

• Ligaments are tough connective tissue that connect bones to bones

• Muscles provide support and movement for the spine. Stomach and back muscles work together to keep the spine in a balanced position.

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Mechanics Of The SpinePosture

The spine works most efficiently when you maintain good posture.

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Mechanics Of The SpineThe Crane Effect

There is no such thing as a “light” lift if you lift incorrectly.

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Back Injury Facts

An OSHA study of back injuries found that: Majority of movements at the time of injury were

bending and twisting under load Average time an object was held at time of injury was

less than one minute 30% of those injured lift more than 100 times a day

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Back Injury Facts

An OSHA study of back injuries found that: Average weight of object lifted was 40-100# in 70%,

and 30% were over 100# The distance traveled at the time of injury was less

than 5 feet 50% of the cases the object was lifted from the floor 83% of the cases the back was fully or partially flexed

or bent

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Facts About Back DisordersBack and neck problems are generally the result of repeated misuse rather than the result of one specific event.

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Facts About Back Disorders

Your back is potentially at risk regardless of your occupation.

Back problems are not just lifting problems.

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Back And Neck ProblemsDevelopment

• Work habits and personal lifestyle habits.

• Physical environment, condition, or trauma.

• Previous injuries

• Attitude/stress

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Maintaining A Healthy BackStanding

• Maintain the normal curves.

• Anti-fatigue mats and/or soft -soled shoes.

• Foot supports.

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Maintaining A Healthy BackStanding, Cont..

• Proper Stance.

• Keep your stomach muscles firm.

• Stretch periodically.

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Maintaining A Healthy BackSitting

• Maintain the normal curves.

• Place feet flat on the floor or footrest

• Materials location.

• Limited leg room.

• Sit/Stand workstation.

• Change positions.

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Maintaining A Healthy BackLifting

• Check the weight.

• Proper positioning.

• Assume a wide base.

• Keep the normal curves.

• Firm stomach muscles.

• Smooth, controlled movements.

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Picking Up Items From The Ground

No single lifting technique will work in all situations. This means that problem solving or, in some cases, making the best of a difficult situation will be necessary.

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Miscellaneous Back Facts

• Smoking

• Nutrition

• Stress

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Conclusion

You may go through your day with little or no regard to the demands you place on your back. In Fact, until it hurts you may think your back is virtually indestructible.

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ReviewKeep it close, keep the

curvesStretch frequently

throughout the dayMaintain the normal curves

in your spineListen to your body

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Where to get more information

• Other training sessions

• List books, articles, electronic sources

• Consulting services, other sources