1. BACK CARE PRESENTATION

2. Purpose of Presentation
Help you understand your back
Identify risk situations that put your back at risk
Provide suggestions on how to reduce your exposure to back injuries and
Help you increase flexibility and productivity

3. Causes of Back Injuries
Back injuries maybe caused or irritated by,
Improper lifting and/or bending
Repetitive twisting
Poor posture
Fatigue
Lack of stretching prior to work
Factors such as diet, environment, stress and genetic predisposition and sports injuries are also contributors to back injuries

4. Improper Lifting or Bending
Manual material handling task are frequently associated with low back injury
Workers can sustain a back injury in an isolated incident such as lifting too heavy of a load
These accidents are usually a result of not using proper lifting techniques
The location of the load is important. A load lifted far from the body imposes more stress on the back than the same load close to the body
A bulky object is more difficult to lift than a compact load of the same weight, because it or the center of gravity cannot be brought to the center of the body

5. Repetitive Twisting
Workers can sustain injury from an isolated incident however injuries can occur from a repetitive activity. For instance, workers may not take the time to pivot their feet.
Instead of moving their whole body in the direction of the turn, they twist keeping feet planted thus increasing the likelihood of injury.
If a back injury has occurred, repetitive twisting does not allow it to recover, prolonging the injury or making it worse.

6. Static Posture
Whether it is work or play, sitting or standing our bodies are designed to move and bend and our posture changes to fit the task. If our bodies are not moving, static posture is taking place. When workers sit or stand in an awkward position over a prolonged period of time, back pain can occur. As the muscles contract to hold the body in an awkward position, tendons are pulled and joints are compressed, resulting in discomfort.

7. Fatigue
Fatigue occurs when muscular energy is depleted after performing daily tasks.
The effects of fatigue are compounded when workers go from one task to another without resting in between.
This faster work pace reduces the time necessary for workers to restore muscle energy and as a result they become increasing tired as the shift progresses.
The effects of fatigue add up over time and maybe the cause of many muscular skeletal injuries. As time passes, these injuries can develop into chronic conditions that can become more difficult to treat effectively.

8. Lack of Stretching
Poor conditioning can increase the chances of back injury of occurring. When proper stretching of core muscles of the spine and abdomen does not occur, adequate blood flow to these areas is reduced. Workers must understand that muscles, tendons and ligaments are not prepared to handle the stress level of manual handling tasks when not warmed up. For any kind of lifting or handling, warming up is important, particularly when a worker is not use to handling loads.

9. How To Minimize Exposure To Back Injuries
There are several things we can do to minimize our exposure to back injuries,
Utilize mechanical lifting devices
Use proper lifting techniques
Perform stretching exercises
Rotate jobs where possible
Ensure workplace stations are properly designed
Use lumbar supports

10. Mechanical Lifting Devices
Wherever possible use mechanical lifting devices such as hoists, cranes, carts or conveyors. Remember that rolling is easier than carrying and pushing is less demanding than pulling. Gravity dumps and shoots can also be used to move material.

11. Reduce the Demand of Lifting
If lifting aids are not practical or available to reduce the demands of lifting, consider the weight and the bulk you have to handle and ask for help if the load is too heavy or awkward.

12. Proper Lifting Techniques
When you determine the load is safe to handle use the following lifting techniques during the task.
Get a firm footing; keep your feet apart for a stable base and point toes outward.
Bend your knees, not your back. Do not bend at the waist.
Tighten your stomach muscles before lifting to support your spine.

13. Proper Lifting Techniques
Lift with legs, arms and back muscles, they can all help do the work of lifting.

14. Proper Lifting Techniques
Lift the load close to your body; if possible hold both forearms against your body at waist level and your hands near your stomach.
Keep back upright and shoulders and hips lined up. Whether lifting or putting the load down, don’t add the weight of your body to the load by bending forward
Pivot Feet to Turn, Avoid twisting and side bending while lifting.

15. Proper Lifting Techniques
Have a clear path and plan the shortest distance to your destination.

16. Proper Lifting Techniques
Try to unload onto a surface that is at waist level. The chances of an injury occurring are increased as you move lower.

17. Workplace Layout Design
Workplace layout is an important factor in preventing back pain. The height of the work station should allow the employee to sit or stand erect. Leaning forward should be avoided, as this can cause fatigue and increase the chance of an injury occurring. As well as sitting and standing correctly we should also consider proper kneeling techniques.

18. Sitting While sitting for long periods of time, remember to,
Keep your head balanced naturally over your shoulders
Keep your shoulders relaxed, not hunched
Keep your forearms and thighs parallel to the floor
Sit back in your chair for support, settle your feet on the floor or a foot rest and
Use fully adjustable chairs with armrests

19. Back Posture During Vehicle Operation
In many cases workers are also operating forklifts or trucks where sitting is required. In order to support the body and assure proper alignment during these activities, lumbar supports can be utilized. Often times during the same activity, vibration is transmitted into the whole body from the machine being operated. In order to alleviate the vibration from machine to man, seat cushions and seat mounts can be used.

20. Standing
While standing, to help reduce stress in your lower back, remember to,
Stand straight keeping your spinal column aligned in its natural curves
Bend your knees slightly
Use anti-fatigue mats or insoles
Prop one foot up on a stool or rail

21. Kneeling
While kneeling, remember to kneel with one knee down and one knee up. This upright position will also reduce stress on your lower back. Remember, change your posture often, stretch frequently during the day and keep your body flexible, not ridged or fixed.

22. Job Rotation
Job rotation can help reduce exposure to back pain and injury by allowing fatigue muscles adequate time to recover between excursions. Rotation can occur within a job and does not necessarily mean rotating to a new job outside of your normal responsibilities. An example of this may be rotating from keyboarding to using the telephone.

23. Stretch Before you Work
Before any strenuous activity whether work or leisure related, take time to increase your flexibility. If your workplace cannot provide time for stretching, do some stretching exercises at home or arrive at work a few minutes early to perform some light stretching. Other activities such as walking, swimming, cycling and for some short distant running are all ways to improve overall health and complement routine stretching.

24. The IMPACTO® AIR BELT®
The use of a Lumbar Support such as the Air Belt, can be helpful in reducing your exposure to back injuries.
The Air Belt is a unique inflatable lumbar support. The interconnected chambers conform to your back when air is added, and as the chambers fill they apply forward pressure over the muscles. This pressure promotes muscle relaxation and helps maintain the health “S” curve of the spine.
The Air Belt helps to ensure back alignment and proper posture.
Can be used at work when sitting for long periods, industrial applications, awkward positions, retail jobs, static jobs, walking, lifting, warehouse tasks or during recreational activities such as sports.

25. The IMPACTO® AIR BELT® Inner Lining Wicks away moisture
Durable Outer Shell
Assorted Varieties for Different applications
Hook & Loop
Adjustable & secure fastening
Interconnected Air Chambers
Conform to back
Relax muscles
Release valve
Helps to regulate air pressure for desired support & comfort
Aspirator
Attached to Belt for easy access
Tucks under belt for safety & aesthetics

26. Benefits of the AIR BELT®
Utilizes unique patented air technology
Designed by doctors, medical studies available
Promotes proper alignment of the lower back
Helps prevent injuries from occurring
Can be worn inside or outside clothing
Available in multiple styles to suit job or preference
Does not interfere with normal range of motion
The Air Belt offers natural therapy relief
It’s effective in virtually any position and activity
Pain relief and support with existing conditions

27. Range of Styles
The Air Belt is available in specialty designs to suit specific environments. Depending on the job, the Air Belt is available with varying outer covers. Each can be conveniently worn inside or outside of clothing without restricting mobility.

28. Range of Styles Air Tech – #TECH Nylon outer cover Tour Air Belt #TOUR
Durable Ripstop nylon outer cover
Comfort Plus #CP
Cambrelle® outer shell, foam lining
Sports Plus #SP
Cotton outer shell with foam lining
Dual Advantage #DUAL
With sturdy leather belt and metal buckle for abdominal support
#SPFR Sport Plus Fire Retardant Outer shell
#SPNOMEX
Fire retardant Nomex® Outer shell

29. Range of Styles AIR PLUS
Durable and easy to clean Nylon outer cover, extended webbing strap accommodates size S/M, L/XL and XXL.

30. Extended support and stability to the SACRAL Region
Range of Styles
LUMBOSACRAL
Extended support and stability to the SACRAL Region
Upper Strap
Firm contact over back
Nylon Outer Cover
Is durable and easy to clean
Lower Straps
Additional support over sacral region
Lower Portion of Bladder support & stability to sacral region
Contoured Bladder System
Conforms to back & hips
Prevents “riding-up”

31. Air Temp Advantage, #ATA
The ATA, a member of the Air Belt family of products has built in pockets for air support chambers, optional cold compression or heat treatment.
The ATA may lessen the pain associated with the injury and may allow activity, which will help employees recovering from an injury, regain previous strength and flexibility.
Build-in Pockets to Insert therapeutic relief:
AIR chambers (included) or COLD/HEAT therapy as required.

32. Air Belt FAQ Does the Air Belt Weaken the back Muscles?
By allowing a full range of motion, the Air Belt does not weaken muscles. Workers will use their muscles in a normal manner.
Does it only remind user to lift properly?
Lifting properly is a function of training and no belt will guarantee you a safe lift. Standard back belts may act as a reminder, but the air belt provides additional benefits. The Air Belt helps to eliminate unwanted lower back contractions; this will reduce fatigue and on going back pain that will occur if contractions or spasms go unchecked. By placing pressure on shorten muscles, these muscles are allowed to return to normal resting length.
Does it cause a false sense of security?
Even though this promotes proper spinal alignment, the Air Belt should be used in conjunction with a back care program that has been designed for your workplace environment. The need for ongoing training and product understanding is imperative.
Does the Air Belt make your back stronger?
Back belts do not make you stronger. And it is only through ongoing training that workers will understand this fact. Each individual must recognize their own limitations and act within them.

33. Impacto Protective Products Inc.
IMPACTO has been designing and manufacturing specialized ergonomic products to reduce worker exposure to muscular skeletal injuries for over 25 years. With ever changing work environments it is imperative that we continuously update and improve our products in order the worker and employer have the best possible tools to maintain a safe and productive workplace.
In addition to Back Supports, We carry a wide assortment of PPE including orthotic heel and insole inserts and cushions, anti-fatigue insoles, safety toe caps, knee pads, body protectors, neck supports, anti-impact and anti-vibration gloves and wrist supports, and other ergonomic personal protection.
Visit our website to see our full line of products.

34. Impacto Protective Products Inc.
PO BOX 524, 40 DUSSEK ST., BELLEVILLE, ON K8N 5B2 CANADA
N. America UK
Tel Fax