Presented by Erin McLean

Back Injuries Number one safety problem in workplace 1 1 in 5 workers suffer from back injuries Three fourths of injuries result from improper lifting and carrying 2 Accounts for more than 1 million injuries each year Most injuries occur in men

Risks for Back Injuries 2 Inadequate exercise Excess weight Poor posture Lack of flexibility Stressful lifestyle Figure 1 4

Lifting OSHA recommends lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time. If an object weighs more than this, use two or more people to assist in lifting. 5 Figure 2 6

Steps to Proper Lifting 1. Stand close to the object with feet shoulder length apart. 2. Bend the knees and squat down. 3. Firmly grip the object to be lifted. 4. Slowly and carefully lift the object to the waist using the legs. 5. Keep the object close to the waist.

Steps to Proper Lifting Step 4 Step 3Step 1Step 2 Step 5 Figure 3 7

Proper Lifting Kneeling instead of squatting can also be used to properly lift a load. Figures 4-6 8

Improper Lifting Do not use your back to lift an object! Figures 7-9 9

Proper Carrying Technique When carrying an object, the load should be kept in what OSHA calls the “power zone.” 10 Figure 10 10

Stretching to Prevent Injury Stretching is a mild form of physical activity that can help reduce the incidence of back injuries in the workplace. Back pain often results due to a lack of flexibility. Figure 11 11

Back Stretches Child’s Pose Figures Step 1 Step 3 Step 2 Step 4

Back Stretches Seated Twist Figures 16 & 17 12

Back Stretches Standing Pelvic Tilt Figures 18 & 19 12

Back Stretches Leaning Backwards Figure 20 13

References 1. United States Department of Labor. Occupational safety and health administration. Back Injuries - Nation's Number One Workplace Safety Problem Web site. _id=146. Accessed October 18, _id= Michaud PA. Accident prevention and OSHA compliance. New York, New York: CRC Press, Inc; 1995: United States Department of Labor. Occupational safety and health administration. About OSHA Web site. Accessed October 18, Cure-Back-Pain.Org. Cure-back-pain.org. Bad Posture Back Pain Web site. Updated Accessed October 18, United States Department of Labor. Occupational safety and health administration. Materials Handling: Heavy Lifting Web site. Accessed October 18, Drillspot. Drillspot. Morton Salt Company Web site. ock_Salt. Accessed October 18, ock_Salt

References 7. Lab Safety Supply. EZ facts. Proper Lifting Techniques Web site. Accessed October 18, Mayo Clinic. Adult health. Slide Show: Proper Lifting Techniques Web site. Accessed October 18, Foto Search. Foto search. Improper Stock Photos and Images Web site. Accessed October 18, United States Department of Labor. Occupational safety and health administration. Supplemental Information: Ergonomic Principles Index Web site. power. Accessed October 18, power 11. Abs Exercise Advice. Abs exercise advice. Anatomy of the Back Web site. Accessed October 18, Bodybuilding.com. Bodybuilding.com. Stretching Guides Web site. Accessed October 18, Berry MD. Melissa D. berry. Stretches Web site. BACK & HIP. Accessed October 18,