SAFE LIFTING

Did you know?

– 80% of all Americans will suffer a back injury that will require medical attention?

– Once you suffer a back injury, you are four times as likely to suffer from back pain again.

– Back injuries make up 30% of all job injuries. – Back injuries keep more workers off the job and

are the cause of more lost wages than any other ailment.

– Surgery can ease back pain only 10% of the time. – The most effective methods for reducing back pain

are exercise and weight control. – Back problems cost Americans $5 Billion annually.

SAFE LIFTING

• You can avoid back injuries!

• Your spine is made up of 24bones called vertebrae, between each vertebrae is a disc or “shock absorber”.This joint allows the joints to move smoothly

• Back injuries are often a result of years of abusing your back which slowly becomes weak and stressed.

• A sudden twist or improper lift or bend will finally cause something to snap.

SAFE LIFTING

• Some things that can go wrong:• The muscles and ligaments that keep your back supported can

be strained from constant misuse by overstretching, bending and

lifting incorrectly, slouching, and carrying too much body weight.

• The jelly like substance in the disc pushes against the weaker

back wall with repeated bending and incorrect lifting, causing the

condition commonly known as a slipped disc.

• If the disc tears and the inner substance flows

out, you have what is called a ruptured disc.

• All of these injuries can be extremely painful.

In some cases the pain lasts for only a few

days, but often, it can last for years.

SAFE LIFTINGBy making a few simple lifestyle

changes you can avoid back injury

and the resulting pain!

When lifting• Use a back support belt.• Stand close to the load with feet wide apart,

usually shoulder width apart. • Squat down, bend at the hips and knees.

Not at the back. • As you grip the load, arch your lower back inward by pulling your shoulders

back and sticking your chest outward. • Be sure to keep the load close to your body.

The closer the load is to your body, the less

pressure it exerts on your back. • When you set the load down, squat down,

bending at the hips and knees,

keeping your lower back arched in.

SAFE LIFTING

Be smart!• Make two trips• Push, don’t pull

– Pushing puts less strain on your back

• Move, don’t reach– Move things closer to you or move your entire body closer

to them

• Squat, don’t bend– Squat at the knees, rather then bending your back

• Turn, don’t twist– Turn your whole body in the direction that you want to go

SAFE LIFTING

• When lifting a load with someone else lift together, and lower together.

• Break down heavy or cumbersome objects to a smaller load that is not as heavy and easier to manage.

Remember to use good normal body mechanics!