Monthly Safety Topics- Back Injury Prevention

Back Injury Prevention

Far too many workplace injuries come from employees manually moving and lifting objects. About 80 percent of adults experience low back pain at some point in their lifetimes. It is the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work days. Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic—meaning they are not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.

Some helpful tips for back care and avoiding injury include:

·  Remind employees to get help when moving and lifting heavy or awkward shaped items,

·  When lifting an object, lift with the knees, legs keeping the object close to the body, do not twist

·  Always use lifting devices if available (carts, dolly, lifts, pallet jacks, etc.),

·  Plan the move or lift: Where are they going? How heavy is the object? How will they grip the object? Do they have a clear path of travel?

·  Maintain Healthy diet and weight, maintain proper posture

·  Remain active-under physician or chiropractor supervision

·  Avoid prolonged inactivity

·  Warm-up, stretch as appropriate before physical activities

·  Work with supervisor, safety ergonomics specialist to ensure the workstation is properly designed and used.

For additional information review the information in the OSHA Technical Manual regarding back disorders and injuries.

If you need assistance with lower back injury, material handling training or ergonomic workstation review please contact us.