Back Injury Prevention JOB JOB WORKER WORKER MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT INJURY INJURY
Mar 26, 2015
Back Injury PreventionBack Injury Prevention
JOBJOB WORKERWORKER
MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT
INJURYINJURY
Back Injuries Aren’t Just Due to Aging
Back Injuries Aren’t Just Due to Aging
• “Overexertion in lifting a heavy object is the most frequent single “lost day” type injury for those under 20 years of age.”
Source: American Society of Safety Engineers (2003)
Back Injury PreventionBack Injury Prevention
1. Back basics
2. Back risk factors
3. Lifting solutions
4. Proper lifting techniques
Stages of Back DisorderStages of Back Disorder
Pain
Impairment
Disability
Compensation
Is There a Concern?Is There a Concern?
• How many currently experience back pain?– 31 million Americans
experience lower back pain.
• Onset of Low Back Pain– 60% feel no sudden pain– Symptoms often begin after work ends
• Recurrence is High
Back BasicsBack Basics
My Name Was Earl
Major Back Injury Major Back Injury
Bulging Disk Herniated Disk
Risk Factors—OccupationalRisk Factors—Occupational
• Body Motions– Lifting/Lowering – Bending/Reaching
– Twisting
– Pushing/Pulling– Carrying/Holding
• Posture• Vibration• Falling
Risk Factors—Non-OccupationalRisk Factors—Non-Occupational
• Prior episode
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Genetic factors
Engineer ControlsEngineer Controls
• Eliminate (Engineer Hazard Out)
• Workplace design
• Tool design
• Preplan process
Eliminate the LiftEliminate the Lift
Use mechanical lifts when possible
Administrative ControlsAdministrative Controls
• Training of employees
and management
• Job rotation
Job RotationJob Rotation
Rotate to non-lifting tasks
Pay Special Attention Pay Special Attention
1. Heavy lifting
2. Frequent lifting
3. Awkward lifting
Reduce Heavy LiftingReduce Heavy Lifting
• 60-70 pound wood pallet
• “Substitute”
• 20 pound plastic pallet
Reduce Size of BoxReduce Size of Box
Common sense controls
Reduce Heavy LiftingReduce Heavy Lifting
Use mechanical assistance
Slide Instead of LiftSlide Instead of Lift
Reduce Heavy Lifting Reduce Heavy Lifting
Team Lifting*
Reduce FrequencyReduce Frequency
Mechanical Assistance
Reduce FrequencyReduce Frequency
Use Mobile Storage*
Reduce Awkward LiftingReduce Awkward Lifting
Raise load mechanically
Awkward LiftingAwkward Lifting
Add Handles
Lifting ToolsLifting Tools
Impacto Liftmate – www.ergobilities.com
SoloLift DualMate
Awkward LiftingAwkward Lifting
Rearrange Storage
Awkward LiftingAwkward Lifting
• Mechanical assistance
• Stacker – stacks up to
12 feet high
Awkward LiftingAwkward Lifting
To reduce twisting – use conveyors *
Size Up The LoadSize Up The Load
Make sure you can
lift the weight.
Test load by picking
up one end!
Proper LiftingProper Lifting
• Think defensively about your back
• Use common sense
• Follow good lifting techniques
• Keep load close to body
Lifting Power ZoneLifting Power Zone
Baseball Strike Zone
Lifting TechniquesLifting Techniques
• Lift with your legs, not your back
• Place your feet close to the object
• Center yourself over the load
Lifting TechniquesLifting Techniques
• Bend your knees
• Get a good hand hold
• Lift straight up smoothly
Don’t Twist or Turn Don’t Twist or Turn
• Feet facing the lift
• Keep it steady
• No twisting/turning
Know Your Path! Know Your Path!
• Is your path clear?
• Are there any holes?
• Are there any spilled liquids?
• Check your footing.
Set it Down SafelySet it Down Safely
• Just as critical to back safety as lifting
• Bend knees slowly
• Let legs do the work
• Don’t let go of the load until it is secure on the floor
Push vs. PullPush vs. Pull
• If the object is on rollers, push
• Pushing puts less strain on your back
• Uses largest muscle group
Additional Factors Additional Factors
• Straighten up!
• Get in shape!
• Stretch!
• Relax!
Additional InformationAdditional Information
Click on “Safety”
Safety Videos
Sample Programs
Safety Links
Safety Talks
Posters & Forms