PREVENTING BACK INJURIES

Bureau of Workers’ CompPA Training for Health & Safety

(PATHS)

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Back Injuries

Back injuries are one of the most common and costly workplace injuries.

It is estimated that 80 percent of all Americans will suffer from back injuries.

Preventing back injuries can be as simple as taking a few minutes to warm up, evaluating and properly performing job tasks and strengthening your back at home.

Most back pain is mechanical, meaning people have increased pain with particular motions of their backs.

Most mechanical back pain is not caused by a slipped or ruptured disc.

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The Back

• The back is composed of small bones, called vertebrae, that are stacked on top of each other.

• Between the vertebrae are fibrous discs that provide padding and cushion shocks.

• Nerves run down the center of the vertebrae, and muscles hold it all together.

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Lifting and Proper Body Mechanics

Proper posture and body mechanics can help to protect your body, especially your back, from pain and injury.

Back pain is usually the result of a number of contributory factors.

Poor posture and faulty body mechanics are generally involved.

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Plan Ahead

• Before moving a load, it is important to plan both the load and the route.

• This allows you to evaluate hazards, limitations, route safety and final placement of the load.

• When considering the load, evaluate the weight, shape and material it is made of.

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Route and Placement

• Check the route you will take and the place where you will set the load down.

• Many injuries and considerable property damage can occur when unexpected problems are encountered during the move.

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Lifting Properly

All loads should be lifted with the back in the most natural, upright position.

The load should be approached so that you can avoid twisting while lifting and with the body over the load as much as possible.

Ask for help whenever you think you might need it.

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Proper Lifting

Approach the load • Face the load so you won’t have to lift and turn.• Point your feet in the direction you will be taking

the load before lifting.

Grasp the load • Squat over the load with your knees bent and the

load between your legs as much as possible. • Grasp the load with the whole hand. • Wear gloves!

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Proper Lifting

Carry the load • Lead with your feet as you carry the load. • Turn slowly with your legs. • Do not turn your back.

Place the load • Put the load down with the same care used to pick

it up. • Plan your approach to avoid twisting or reaching

forward with the load in your hands.

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Lifting Reminders

• Squat to lift and lower.

• Do not bend at the waist.

• Keep your lower back bowed in while bending over.

• Keep the weight as close to you as possible.

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Lifting Reminders

• Bow your back in and raise up with your head first.

• If you must turn, turn with your feet, not your body.

• Put the weight down by keeping your lower back bowed in.

• Never jerk or twist.

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Lifting Reminders

• Keep your feet apart, staggered if possible.

• Wear shoes with nonslip soles.

• Try to keep frequently-used items within arm’s reach.

• Don't try to stretch for things above your head or out of reach.

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Three Key Components in Back Injury Prevention

Proper posture

Conditioning Body mechanics

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Posture

• Proper posture includes standing and sitting in an upright position without: slouching, rounding of the shoulders or accentuating the natural curves of the spine.

• Poor posture typically involves holding the head too far forward or allowing the belly to pull the back forward.

• Get in the habit of holding in the belly to keep it from protruding and putting excess force on the spine.

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Conditioning

• Proper conditioning involves overall conditioning of the body and cardiovascular system with aerobic exercise.

• Also strengthening and stretching core muscles of the spine and abdomen.

• Walking, swimming, bicycling and slow, short distance running are excellent ways to condition the entire body and improve cardiovascular health.

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Body Mechanics

• Body mechanics refers to the way we use our bodies to complete various tasks during activities of daily life.

• When lifting, bending or stretching, think of how you are using your back to avoid provoking an injury.

• Consider a simpler, less strenuous method or posture that can be used to get something done.

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Body Mechanics

• Instead of bending at the back to pick things up off the floor, stoop down at the knees.

• Keep the back as straight as possible and maintain proper posture.

• Instead of reaching overhead, use a sturdy stepstool.

• Push or pull with your entire body, not just your arms.

• Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes. • When working, whether sitting or standing, pace

your activities and take frequent breaks.

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Exercises for a Healthy Back

Wall slides to strengthen your muscles . . .

• Stand with your back against a wall, feet shoulder-width apart.• Slide down into a crouch with knees bent to 90 degrees.• Count to five and slide back up the wall. • Repeat five times.

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Exercises for a Healthy Back

Straight Leg Raises . . . . • Lie on your back with legs

straight. • Tighten abdominal muscles

to stabilize lower back. • Slowly lift leg straight up

about six to 12 inches and hold one to five seconds.

• Lower leg slowly. • Repeat 10 times.

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Exercises for a Healthy Back

• For more exercises, talk with your physician or a physical therapist.

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Don’t Become a Statistic!

• Preventing back injuries can be simple!

• Common sense, planning, exercise and good judgment can enable you to do your job without injury and allow you to go home at the end of your shift, instead of lying in a hospital bed in pain.

• Don’t be a statistic; think before you lift!

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Questions

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