1. SAFE LIFTING & MATERIAL HANDLING

2. Back Facts

3. Back Facts
The back is more prone to injury than any other body part because it holds up the entire body and supports most of the body’s weight
Anything that stresses structures of the back can cause back pain
Your back is least stressed when the natural or “neutral” curves of the lower back, middle back, and neck are properly maintained.

4. Back Facts
Most back injuries result from a combination of factors including:
Poor physical conditioning (including weak
back & abdominal muscles)
Poor sitting & standing posture
Poor diet & excess weight
Poor body mechanics during lifting/material
handling activities

5. Back Facts You can prevent most back injuries by:
Improving your overall strength and fitness
Learning proper “body mechanics” for
maintaining posture, lifting, moving,
carrying activities, etc.

6. Lifestyle Factors Poor Physical Conditioning…
Your stomach muscles provide a lot of the support needed by your back. If you have weak abdominal muscles, your back may not get all the support it needs, especially when you are lifting or carrying heavy objects. Good physical conditioning in general is important for preventing injuries.

7. Lifestyle Factors Poor Sitting & Standing Posture…
is another contributing factor. It is best to try to maintain the back in its natural "S" shaped curve. You want to avoid leaning forward (unsupported) when you sit, or hunching over while you're standing.

8. Lifestyle Factors Poor Diet & Excess Weight…
can be a big problem. The more you weigh, the weaker your back muscles and the more stress placed on your back every time you bend over --- it’s a 10:1 ratio. So, watch that waist!

9. Lifting and Its Forces…*
07/16/96
Lifting and Its Forces…
The amount of force you place on your back while lifting may surprise you!
Think of your back as a lever.
With the waist as the fulcrum
in the center, it takes 10
pounds of pressure to
lift a 10 pound object. *
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10. Lifting and Its Forces…*
07/16/96
Lifting and Its Forces…
If you shift the fulcrum to one side (as during a lift), it takes more force to lift an object of the same weight.
With the fulcrum off
center, it takes 100
pounds of pressure
to lift a 10 pound
object. *
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11. Lifting and Its Forces…*
07/16/96
Lifting and Its Forces…
When you add in the 105
pounds of the average
human upper torso, you
see that lifting a 10 pound
object actually puts 1,150
pounds of pressure on
the lower back! *
5##

12. Lifting and Its Forces…*
07/16/96
Lifting and Its Forces…
If you were 25 pounds
overweight this would
add an additional 250
pounds of pressure (or
1400 pounds) on your
lower back every time
you bend over! *
6##

13. The Proper Lift First, prepare for the lift by:
- Sizing up the load (test weight & evaluate shape)
- Ensuring the path of travel is clear
- Ensuring the “unloading” zone is clear and easily accessible

14. The Proper Lift Secondly, perform the lift
Stand in a shoulder-width stance close to the load
Bend at hips & knees into squatting position while maintaining upright posture
Tighten stomach muscles, but don’t hold your breath
Get a secure grip, hug the load
LIFT WITH YOUR LEGS, NOT YOUR BACK!

15. Body Mechanics: Things to Avoid
Heavy & Repetitive Lifting
Twisting while Lifting & Carrying
Above Shoulder/Below Knee Lifts
“Pulling” vs. Pushing Loads
Static or Awkward Postures

16. Body Mechanics: Things to Avoid
Heavy & Repetitive Lifting - Use mechanical aids (carts, dollies, etc.) whenever possible. Get help (e.g. team lift) if needed!
Twisting while Lifting & Carrying - Move your feet to turn – never twist your back.
Above Shoulder/Below Knee - Use mechanical assistance (e.g. step stool/platform) for high loads and raise low loads off floor level. Do not extend to reach and lift a load.

17. Body Mechanics: Things to Avoid
“Pulling” vs. Pushing Loads - “Push – don’t Pull”. Pushing gives twice the power of pulling.
Static or Awkward Postures - Shift positions frequently during prolonged activity

18. Job-Specific Hazards: Carrying Equipment
EXPOSURE
Heavy tool bags
CONTROLS
Use of lightweight, wheeled tool bags vs. hand/shoulder bags
Consolidate tools into several tool bags. Carry the bag containing only the most frequently used tools.

19. Job-Specific Hazards: Carrying Equipment
EXPOSURE
Laptops and Service Manuals
CONTROL(S)
Use of lighter weight, portable laptops
Service manuals on cd for laptop users
Consolidate service manuals into one small book if feasible

20. Job-Specific Hazards: Carrying Equipment
EXPOSURE
Large Parts
CONTROL(S)
Ship required parts directly to customer location if feasible.
Otherwise, use carts or other material handling equipment for carrying

21. Job-Specific Hazards: Machine Maneuvering
Evaluate machine placement & adjust work habits accordingly. Consider…
Tight Spaces
Ease of Panel Access
Floor surface - carpet or tile? (for ease in machine movement)
“Push – Don’t Pull” where possible
Use material handling assists where feasible

22. Job-Specific Hazards: Awkward Postures
Avoid static postures, shift positions frequently
Use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment):
Proper Footwear (comfortable, slip-resistant)
Knee Pads (kneeling)
Use portable stools (avoid bending & squatting)

23. Job-Specific Hazards: Other
Other PPE (Personal Protective Equipment):
Safety Glasses (dust, chemicals)
Cut-resistant Gloves (sharp edges)
Use Powered Screwdrivers vs. Manual Screwdrivers when available to reduce repetitive stress exposure

24. Take Care of Your Back… And it will take care of you Exercise daily*
07/16/96
Take Care of Your Back…
And it will take care of you
Exercise daily
Avoid heavy and/or repetitive lifting
Get help with heavy or bulky objects
Lift with your legs!
Don’t twist at the waist
Always watch where you’re going *
28##

25. Take Care of Your Back
The back is directly involved in almost every movement you make.
Damaging the back by improper lifting & poor lifestyle can lead to injury, discomfort, and limited movement.
Back injuries are preventable!