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Back Safety
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The Nation’s No. 1 Workplace Safety Problem
Among the most common injuries
1 million+ workers hurt each year
1 in 5 injuries = back injuries
Almost every job places stress on the back
Many injuries can be prevented
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The Spine
Bones – 24 vertebrae stacked on top of each other
Discs – absorb shock and keep vertebrae from rubbing against each other
Facet joints – allow spine to bend and move
Ligaments – tissue to support spine and keep it in place
Spinal cord – nerve bundles to carry messages throughout body
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The Muscles
4 groups:– Back– Stomach– Hip flexor– Side
The stronger the muscles, the less chance of injury
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Types of Back Pain
Result of years of contributing factors
Muscles – most common source
Injured disc – caused by strained or compressed spine
Ligaments/joints – damaged from stress, overexertion or sudden movement
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Types of Back Pain 2
Short-term – common, lasts no longer than 3 months
Long-term – longer than 3 months; may cause disability
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Stretching
Activity prevents back pain and relieves it
Increases flexibility, range of motion
Helps efficiency
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Stretching Checklist
Stretch until tension is felt, hold 5-10 seconds Hold steady – don’t bounce Never stretch to the point of pain Focus on the stretch Don’t rush Breathe freely Repeat 3-5 times on each side Stretch leg, arm, shoulder and back muscles If you feel sharp pain/spasm, stop!
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Risk Factor: Awkward Posture
Awkward positions increase stress
Change work height
Store materials at waist level
Use assistive equipment
Bend at knees
Move feet instead of twisting
Ask for help
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Risk Factor: Overexertion
Use assistive equipment
Divide the load for safer transport
Push materials, don’t lift or pull
Ask for help
Use power grip or grasp from underneath – no pinch grip
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Risk Factor: Fatigue
Jobs requiring same muscles/motions for duration
Alternate tasks and postures
Take breaks to stretch
Split time between standing and seated tasks
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Risk factor: Repetition
Repeated motions put stress on muscles, joints
Alternate tasks and postures
Take time to stretch
Use assistive equipment
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Other Risks
Environment
Obesity
Smoking
Stress
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Safe Lifting
Plan the lift
Size up the load
Establish a base
Get a good grip
Lift steadily
Keep it close
Move your feet
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If Back Pain Occurs
Strains and sprains: ice pack, then heat after 48 hours
OTC pain relievers for minor injuries
Continue normal activities
Avoid heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, etc.
Rest, but not too much bed rest
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Call a Doctor If …
Pain lasts more than 72 hours
Pain is the result of specific injury
Pain so bad you can’t move
Pain goes down your leg
Numbness in extremities
Fever, nausea, etc.
No improvement after 2-3 weeks
Summary
Be aware of risks
Stretch before task
Follow safe lifting procedures
Apply cold, then heat in event of injury
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