Back Injury Prevention Presenter: Tauni Aikin, Risk & Safety Consultant OmniSure Consulting Group, LLC

Goals of This Training Identifying Risk Factors of Back Injuries Identifying Common Causes of Back Injuries Roles in Injury Prevention Body Mechanics and Lifting Techniques Putting it Into Practice

Why Care About Back Injuries? More than a million back injuries in the workplace each year, 25% of all workers’ compensation payments – totaling nearly $10 Billion per year. Back injuries contribute significantly to lost workdays and lost productivity. Once injured, backs are more susceptible to re-injury. Consequences have a far reaching effect Pain Lost income Emotional stress Disability Decreased social activity

Are You at Risk? Common work related risk factors Moving/Lifting/Carrying heavy items Standing or sitting in one position for 30 minutes or more Cradling a phone between ear and shoulder Performing tasks requiring frequent bending Reaching for items above shoulders Lifting heavy objects off the floor Repetitive/Quick movements Improper footwear for job Common non-work related risk factors Improper footwear Lifting &/or carrying children More than 20% overweight Sleep on too hard or soft of a mattress Tension and stress Lack of physical activity or exercise

Common Causes of Back Injuries Poor Body Mechanics Weak and Fatigued Muscles Being overweight Improper Footwear Lack of Exercise Poor Posture Quick Movement Tension and Stress Repetitive Movements

Is it Preventable? Most back injuries are preventable Reduce your risks at work and at home Increase back health factors Decrease contributing factors to back injury at work and at home

Your Role in Injury Prevention Minimize your risks Understand the mechanics of the spine Know your limitations Maintain a healthy lifestyle (maintain healthy weight, get plenty of rest, eat well, stop smoking, regular exercise) Maintain a healthy back, use good posture Stretch and warm-up before coming to work and doing certain tasks. Follow safe workplace practices Follow safe practices at home Report any unsafe workplace conditions to your supervisor Report any accidents or incidents which may have lead to an injury to your supervisor Follow your workplace injury reporting policy

Your Employer’s Role in Injury Prevention Develop and implement a Workplace Back Injury Prevention Plan Educate employees on workplace risks Train employees on proper procedures Provide proper equipment to aid in the prevention of back injury Hold employees accountable to following established procedures

Basic Back Body Mechanics The way the body adjusts to keep its balance Poor body mechanics Moving or lifting heavy objects incorrectly Lifting or carrying something too heavy Sitting or standing in an unnatural position Twisting the body abruptly or awkwardly Proper body mechanics Allows the spine to remain in a neutral position Allows the body to remain flexible in movement

Planning to Lift Safely PLANNING IS PREVENTING! Test the weight by attempting to pick up a corner of the object. Inspect the load. Ensure the weight is stable and will not shift. If it is sharp or slippery wear appropriate hand protection. If the load is too heavy, awkward or difficult to handle, do not lift by yourself; seek assistance from co-worker(s) or a lifting aid. Ensure ability to see over the load while carrying. Find safe places to stop and rest if necessary. Plan your route: examine and clear the walking path of obstructions/obstacles and slip hazards. Know your destination; make sure the object can be unloaded easily and safely at the other end.

Not All Lifts Are Created Equal Consider Special Lifting Situations Reaching overhead Oversized or heavy loads Long objects Bags and sacks When center of gravity shifts (liquids)

Safe Lifting Techniques 1.Assume the safe lifting position 2.Prepare to lift 3.Let the legs do the lifting Then what? 1.Make sure you can see over the load 2.Point your feet in the direction of your move 3.Take small steps to turn your body as a single unit, do not twist 4.“Hug” the load to your chest 5.Stop and rest if you need to 6.Walk at a steady pace and watch where you are going.

Tips For Recovery When Injured Always follow physicians medical direction Apply ice/heat Aspirin/Tylenol/Advil may help with inflammation and pain Engage in mild activity/exercise (inactivity can make matters worse)

Putting it Into Practice Avoiding back injuries due to lifting Consider storage options Stay in shape Pace yourself Manage your stress Wear appropriate footwear Plan ahead Get help Use wheels Push, don’t pull Know your capabilities Analyze your area Test the load Maintain good posture Carry the load close to the body Use your legs not your back

Training Take-Aways List three changes you can make in your workplace to reduce your risk for back injury 1._________________________________________________ 2._________________________________________________ 3._________________________________________________ List three changes you can make in your home to reduce your risk for back injury: 1._________________________________________________ 2._________________________________________________ 3._________________________________________________

Make it Personal List three habits you will try to change over the next six months that may help prevent back injury: 1._____________________________________________ 2._____________________________________________ 3._____________________________________________

Additional Resources