Transcript Back safety
Back Injury Prevention JOB WORKER INJURY MANAGEMENT Back Injuries Aren’t Just Due to Aging • “Overexertion in lifting a heavy object is the most frequent single “lost day” type injury for those under 20 years of age.” Source: American Society of Safety Engineers (2003) Back Injury Prevention 1. Back basics 2. Back risk factors 3. Lifting solutions 4. Proper lifting techniques Stages of Back Disorder Pain Impairment Disability Compensation Is There a Concern? • How many currently experience back pain? – 31 million Americans experience lower back pain. • Onset of Low Back Pain – 60% feel no sudden pain – Symptoms often begin after work ends • Recurrence is High Back Basics My Name Was Earl Major Back Injury Bulging Disk Herniated Disk Risk Factors—Occupational • Body Motions – Lifting/Lowering – Bending/Reaching – Twisting – Pushing/Pulling – Carrying/Holding • Posture • Vibration • Falling Risk Factors—Non-Occupational • Prior episode • Smoking • Obesity • Genetic factors Engineer Controls • Eliminate (Engineer Hazard Out) • Workplace design • Tool design • Preplan process Eliminate the Lift Use mechanical lifts when possible Administrative Controls • Training of employees and management • Job rotation Job Rotation Rotate to non-lifting tasks Pay Special Attention 1. Heavy lifting 2. Frequent lifting 3. Awkward lifting Reduce Heavy Lifting • 60-70 pound wood pallet • “Substitute” • 20 pound plastic pallet Reduce Size of Box Common sense controls Reduce Heavy Lifting Use mechanical assistance Slide Instead of Lift Reduce Heavy Lifting Team Lifting* Reduce Frequency Mechanical Assistance Reduce Frequency Use Mobile Storage* Reduce Awkward Lifting Raise load mechanically Awkward Lifting Add Handles Lifting Tools Impacto Liftmate – www.ergobilities.com SoloLift DualMate Awkward Lifting Rearrange Storage Awkward Lifting • Mechanical assistance • Stacker – stacks up to 12 feet high Awkward Lifting To reduce twisting – use conveyors * Size Up The Load Make sure you can lift the weight. Test load by picking up one end! Proper Lifting • Think defensively about your back • Use common sense • Follow good lifting techniques • Keep load close to body Lifting Power Zone Baseball Strike Zone Lifting Techniques • Lift with your legs, not your back • Place your feet close to the object • Center yourself over the load Lifting Techniques • Bend your knees • Get a good hand hold • Lift straight up smoothly Don’t Twist or Turn • Feet facing the lift • Keep it steady • No twisting/turning Know Your Path! • Is your path clear? • Are there any holes? • Are there any spilled liquids? • Check your footing. Set it Down Safely • Just as critical to back safety as lifting • Bend knees slowly • Let legs do the work • Don’t let go of the load until it is secure on the floor Push vs. Pull • If the object is on rollers, push • Pushing puts less strain on your back • Uses largest muscle group Additional Factors • Straighten up! • Get in shape! • Stretch! • Relax! Additional Information Click on “Safety” Safety Videos Sample Programs Safety Links Safety Talks Posters & Forms