Back Safety I

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Back Safety


Back Injuries: Sobering Facts

 80-90% of the population will have back


injury in their lifetimes
 One in every 5 workplace injuries is a back
injury
 There are more than 1 million back injuries
each year
– Three out of 4 back injuries occur while lifting


Structure of the Back

 Vertebrae

 Discs

 Ligaments

 Muscles

 Tendons

 Nerves


Types of Injuries

 Strains and sprains to muscles and ligaments

 Muscle spasms

 Ruptured, herniated and slipped discs

 Degenerative discs

 Stress-related back pain


Common Causes of Back Injuries

 Lifting excessive weight


 Using improper lifting technique
– Bending over at waist
– Twisting with load
– Reaching for elevated loads
– Carrying or lifting awkwardly shaped objects
 Sitting, standing or working in one position
too long


Contributing Factors

 Poor physical condition

 Extra weight

 Poor posture

 Stress


Proper Lifting Procedures

 Plan the lift

 Test load before lifting

 Place feet shoulder-width


apart close to object
 Bend the knees

 Get a secure grip


Proper Lifting Procedures (cont.’d)

 Lift with legs,


keeping back straight

 Lift evenly and slowly


- no jerky motions.

 Keep load as close to body


as possible


Proper Lifting Procedures (cont’d)

 To change directions
– Do not twist
– Turn feet in direction of intended travel
– Let body follow feet
 When moving with load
– Keep it close to body
– Watch for slip and fall hazards
 To set load down, follow steps in reverse


Other Stress Inducing Activities

 Prolonged sitting  Pushing/pulling loads


– Use good posture – Always push
– Stretch frequently – Easier on back & gives
more control
 Prolonged standing
 Elevated loads
– Keep weight evenly
balanced – Use ladder
– Change foot positions – Load close to body
– Back straight

Preventing Back Injuries

 Avoid lifting and bending, whenever possible

 Use carts, dollies,


forklifts

 Ask for help

 Elevate objects


Basic Back Care

 Stretch before lifting

 Slow down during heavy, repetitive lifting

 Take rest breaks for your back

 Sleep on a firm mattress

 Get in shape

 Use good posture


Exercises for Your Back

 Wall slides

 Leg raises

 Leg raises (seated)

 Partial sit-ups

 Back swing


If Back Pain Occurs

 Rest and avoid activity that caused pain


 Use cold packs to relieve pain (initially)
 Use heat (after 48 hours)
 Use over-the-counter pain relievers
 Gradually begin gentle stretching
 Consult physician if:
– Pain persists after resting for 72 hours
– You have feeling of numbness in lower limbs


Key Take-Aways

 Use proper lifting techniques

 Know motions to avoid

 Don’t over do it - get help

 Help you back by caring for it



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