1. Preventing Back Injury
Lifting and Your Back
Preventing Back Injury

2. Back Injury
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, low back pain:
Is the most common work-related medical problem in the U.S.
Is the second most common reason for doctor visits among U.S. citizens
Affects more than 20 million Americans
Is the leading cause of disability among people ages 19-45

3. Risk Factors Poor work habits and improper lifting!
Many factors increase the risk for back problems:
Lifestyle choices - tobacco use, lack of regular exercise, and inadequate nutrition substantially contribute to poor disc health
Aging - natural biochemical changes cause discs to gradually dry out affecting disc strength and resiliency
Poor posture – long-term use of incorrect body mechanics stresses the lumbar spine and affects its normal ability to carry the bulk of the body's weight
Poor work habits and improper lifting!

4. Rules for Lifting Never bend, lift, and twist at the same time
Use mechanical aids or assistance when possible
Bend your knees and use your legs to lift

5. Proper Lifting Plan the Lift
Before lifting, analyze what needs to be done
Think about how heavy the object is
How far does it have to be moved?
Where it is going to end up?
Consider the shape of the object
Is it cumbersome?
Is it easily manipulated?
Is it a two-person job?
Look at the path
Is there anything in the way that needs to be moved?

6. Proper Lifting Position Your Body Stand directly in front of the load
Feet about shoulder width apart
One foot in front of the other for balance
Bend your knees
Tighten the stomach muscles
Using both hands, grasp the object firmly
Pull it as close to your body as possible

7. Proper Lifting Push Up with your Legs
Remember to lift primarily with your legs, not with your back
Since leg muscles are stronger than back muscles, push up with your legs, until straightened
Avoid jerky movements
Keep the natural curve in the spine
Don't bend at the waist
To turn, move the feet around by pivoting on the toes
Don’t twist at the stomach

8. Proper Lifting Partner Up
If the load is too heavy, don’t try to lift it alone!
Find someone who can help
If possible, break the load into smaller, more manageable loads

9. Proper Lifting
When it is time to set the load down, reverse the procedure
If the load is going to set on the floor, bend the knees and position the load in front of you
If the load is to go at table height, set it down and keep in contact with the load until it is secure on the table.

10. Final Thoughts Think before you lift Use common sense
Avoid risky behavior
Excessive Bending
Excessive Twisting
Excessive Reaching
Excessive Weights
Gently point out unsafe behaviors to others
Help others perform safe lifts

11. Thank you for your cooperation!