Christina Ferraiuolo KSC Dietetic Intern

BACK PAIN IS THE MOST COMMON HEALTH COMPLAINT  Performing the same improper movements daily may not cause you pain at first.. then One simple movement such as reaching for something or bending your back can trigger pain.  Most back pain occurs in adults aged 20 to 50  Symptoms can occur gradually and most often with improper movement while  Lifting  Twisting  Prevention is key in avoiding pain.

 To recognize the major sources of back injury  To apply and demonstrate proper lifting techniques  To perform safe lifting through proper product storage

 Can we describe a few?  How do they cause injury?

 Reaching items that are too high without using a step ladder  Bending with back instead of knees  Twisting lower back and waist instead of pivoting with legs

A FEW MORE SOURCES…  Not being stable when attempting to lift an item  Misinterpreting the load of the item  Reaching above the shoulders for an item  Not getting help if you need it  Pulling and pushing items that are too heavy

 What are some good techniques?  What have you experienced?  Does anyone lift for fitness?

 Store items on shelves based on weight  Size up a load before you lift it, determine if you can realistically lift it on your own  Test the weight first- how much does it weigh?  Use a wheeled cart, hand truck or mechanical device to assist you.  You can even dismantle the box to reduce the weight and size of the items.

PREVENTION CONTINUED…  Check to make sure the box is secure and that it wont fall apart when lifted  Check for hazards in your pathway before you lift to avoid loss of balance  Establish solid footing

 Align the body with a straight posture  Have head in line with feet and legs  Keep feet shoulder width apart with one in front of the other  Face forward toward the item to be lifted  Tighten your stomach muscles to strengthen the back.

WHEN LIFTING…  Grip item with whole hand, not just the fingers  Get as close to the load as possible and bend with the knees  bend with the front leg and use your body weight to slowly lean into the load.  Avoid pulling or jerking loads on wheels  Pulling with one arm can cause back distress. It is safer to push.

 Teamwork can enhance safe lifting with proper cooperation!  Work together at each stage of the movement, maintain a safe and comfortable speed and move as one.  A lift team is recommended when an item is more than 40 pounds.

SETTING DOWN ITEMS IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS LIFTING THEM!  Mark very heavy loads on the box to alert employees  When loading low shelves  check your grip  transfer the load to your legs as soon as possible  bend your knees  place a corner of the load on the rack  slide your fingers free

 Improper attire can interfere with the movement of a person carrying heavy objects.  Baggy pants, slip on shoes, poor sole grips, excessive hanging jewelry.  Shoes must be nonporous upper with slip resistant soles, closed heel and toe with dry and clean soles- non slip soles wont work if they are caked with food.  Loose clothes should be avoided because they could catch on items and cause a person to lose balance.

 Store heavier loads and awkward loads at waist level (20 # or more)  Light items should be on the top shelf or near the floor where reaching and bending down low is necessary  Remove items from boxes and store as single units to avoid the need to lift or take down heavy items

 Use for items on shelves that are higher than shoulder level  Stay balanced when using a ladder, do not take one foot off the ladder and do not overreach  Do not twist on the ladder with the item, this could cause back injury or fall

 Check the route  Place heavy items on the bottom of the truck and lighter on top  Make more than one trip if needed, do not overstack truck  Do not walk backwards, push the truck do not pull it  Have a firm grip

SAFE TECHNIQUES WITH A DOLLIE  Keep the unit close to your body, don’t let it get away from you and cause strain to pull it close  When going downhill keep the truck in front of you and maintain control  When going uphill you can keep the truck behind you with  your body facing it  pull with both arms evenly  let your legs and body weight do the work