Preventing Lifting and Back Injuries

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Training Objectives To provide background information about lifting injuries and review common causes of lifting and back injuries to prevent these injuries from occurring.

Background Information

Lifting Injury Costs Average number of lifting injuries a year: 515 Average cost per year: $2.8 million Average cost per injury: $5,500

What Are We Talking About? Strain – Overstretching or overexerting the muscle, tendon or ligament Sprain – Wrenching or twisting a joint with partial or complete ligament tearing

It Can Happen to Anyone

They Can Happen Anywhere Lifting injuries occur:  In the workplace  At home

Common Causes

Causes of Lifting and Back Injuries Lifting heavy objects Reaching while lifting Twisting while lifting Poor lifting technique Poor posture Poor physical condition

Heavy Lifting How much can you safely lift? > 50 lbs.

Reaching While Lifting Injuries can occur when tools or materials are placed too far away or when items are positioned either too low or too high.

Twisting While Lifting The chance of injury to the back, neck and other joints increases dramatically when twisting while lifting.

Poor Lifting Techniques Leaning over from the waist to lift Uneven footing or poor balance Awkward positioning of a load

Poor Posture Causes decreased blood flow Weakens muscles Places extra stress on body parts

Poor Physical Condition Can contribute to chronic back pain Weak back muscles due to lack of exercise Not maintaining a healthy weight

Lifting and Back Injury Prevention

Prevention Methods Using lifting devices Getting help Work planning and design Proper lifting techniques Body positioning Correct posture Stretching Physical conditioning

Lifting Devices Use equipment to move or lift heavy objects when possible Heavy lifting  How much does the object weigh?  Is it awkwardly shaped?  Ask for help! 50 lbs.

Work Planning and Design Adjust tasks to work in neutral positions within the “power zone” Evaluate jobs and tasks to reduce risk factors Power Zone

Proper Lifting Techniques Plan the lift Place legs shoulder width apart Bend your knees Stay close to the load Tighten your stomach muscles Lift with your legs

Proper Lifting Techniques (continued) The back works similar to a lever when lifting A balance point is in the center, this allows for a 1:1 ratio of force to be applied to lift a weight

Proper Lifting Techniques (continued) When the load is off-center, more pressure is applied to the back For a 10 lb. weight you are actually placing 100 lbs. of force on the back

Proper Body Positioning If you must lift and change direction, use the pivot technique

Correct Posture Create good habits by being aware of your posture while at rest and during activity

Stretching Performing periodic stretches minimizes fatigue throughout the day Stretching also increases range of motion

Physical Conditioning Strength – should target the overall body to prevent imbalances that could contribute to injuries Aerobic – increased cardiac efficiency results in decreased muscle fatigue Flexibility – the quality of the stretch is more beneficial than the quantity of stretches Weight – a healthy weight will reduce the amount of pressure put on the back

To Sum It Up Use equipment to lift or move objects when available Ask for help for heavy objects Adjust tasks to fit your body Bend with your knees Maintain proper body positioning Stretch periodically Be physically fit

Conclusion Work safely, so that injuries don’t prevent you from doing the activities you love!

Questions