1. Avoiding a Painful Back
SAFE LIFTING
Avoiding a Painful Back

2. Back Injuries
Back injuries account for nearly 20% of all injuries and illnesses in the workplace.
Back injuries cost the nation an estimated 20 to 50 billion dollars per year.

3. Slips, Trips and Falls
On stairways alone, falls result in over two million disabling injuries yearly.
There are thousands more minor injuries caused by slips, trips, and falls each year.
Most alarming of all is, the fact that industrial falls cause over 1000 deaths each year.
Slips, trips and falls account for 15 to 20 percent of all workers' compensation costs.

4. Leading Back Injury Factors
Poor posture
Poor physical condition
Incorrect lifting
Jobs that require high energy

5. THE SPINE’S BASIC FUNCTIONS
Providing support
Protecting the spinal cord
Providing flexibility to allow bending and rotating

6. STANDING POSTURE Keep your spinal column aligned in its natural curves
Prop one foot up on a stool to reduce stress in your lower back

7. STRETCH OFTEN - SHIFT POSITIONS
Shift your posture often
Stretch frequently throughout the day
Keep your body flexible (not rigid or fixed)
Don’t force your body to conform to its workspace

8. LIFT WITH COMMON SENSE! Assess the situation
Is the load big, bulky, heavy?
Do you need help?
Remember- no single technique will work in all circumstances

9. THE SAFE LIFTING ZONE
The safe lifting zone is between the knees and shoulders
Below knee level?
Bend with your knees and lift with your legs
Above your shoulders?
Use a stool or ladder

10. Can you slide it instead of lifting it?
PUSH-- DON’T PULL
Can you slide it instead of lifting it?

11. Do you need equipment to help move it?
Use proper equipment
Hand trucks
Forklifts
Dollies
Use gloves if needed

12. Must you twist or stretch to get it?
Readjust the load or your position before you lift.
Get help!

13. PREPARING TO LIFT OR MOVE
Have you stretched your muscles or warmed up before lifting?
Are you wearing slip resistant shoes?
Have you cleared a pathway before you move the item?

14. WHEN YOU LIFT Do Plant your feet firmly - get a stable base
Bend at your knees - not your waist
Tighten your abdominal muscles to support your spine
Get a good grip - use both hands

15. WHEN YOU LIFT Do Keep the load close to your body
Use your leg muscles as you lift
Keep your back upright, keep it in its natural posture
Lift steadily and smoothly without jerking

16. WHEN YOU LIFT Do Not Lift from the floor Twist and lift
Lift with one hand (unbalanced)
Lift loads across obstacles

17. WHEN YOU LIFT Do Not Lift while reaching or stretching
Lift from an uncomfortable posture
Fight to recover a dropped object (let it go!)

18. One-handed Lift

19. Twisting

20. General Safety Rules
Make your safety your first consideration in every situation.
Keep your work area clean and free from loose objects, stumbling or slipping hazards (including electrical wires from equipment).
Be aware of walking surfaces. Extra care is needed on wet or icy surfaces.
Never leave an unsafe condition unmarked or unguarded.
Always post “wet floor” signs when needed.

21. General Safety Rules (continued)
Wear adequate shoes that are not open and that give good support and slip resistance.
Never use broken or damaged ladders or other equipment.
Ladders in front of doors should be marked or posted with warning barricades.
Use care when working on stairways.
Be cautious when working to keep from tripping over equipment such as buckets, vacuum cleaners, and other tools.

22. REMEMBER! Your work day is one third of your total day
Plan your tasks carefully to avoid a painful back
Managing your back is your responsibility