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Back Safety

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The Nation’s No. 1 Workplace Safety Problem

Among the most common injuries

1 million+ workers hurt each year

1 in 5 injuries = back injuries

Almost every job places stress on the back

Many injuries can be prevented

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The Spine

Bones – 24 vertebrae stacked on top of each other

Discs – absorb shock and keep vertebrae from rubbing against each other

Facet joints – allow spine to bend and move

Ligaments – tissue to support spine and keep it in place

Spinal cord – nerve bundles to carry messages throughout body

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The Muscles

4 groups:– Back– Stomach– Hip flexor– Side

The stronger the muscles, the less chance of injury

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Types of Back Pain

Result of years of contributing factors

Muscles – most common source

Injured disc – caused by strained or compressed spine

Ligaments/joints – damaged from stress, overexertion or sudden movement

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Types of Back Pain 2

Short-term – common, lasts no longer than 3 months

Long-term – longer than 3 months; may cause disability

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Stretching

Activity prevents back pain and relieves it

Increases flexibility, range of motion

Helps efficiency

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Stretching Checklist

Stretch until tension is felt, hold 5-10 seconds Hold steady – don’t bounce Never stretch to the point of pain Focus on the stretch Don’t rush Breathe freely Repeat 3-5 times on each side Stretch leg, arm, shoulder and back muscles If you feel sharp pain/spasm, stop!

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Risk Factor: Awkward Posture

Awkward positions increase stress

Change work height

Store materials at waist level

Use assistive equipment

Bend at knees

Move feet instead of twisting

Ask for help

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Risk Factor: Overexertion

Use assistive equipment

Divide the load for safer transport

Push materials, don’t lift or pull

Ask for help

Use power grip or grasp from underneath – no pinch grip

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Risk Factor: Fatigue

Jobs requiring same muscles/motions for duration

Alternate tasks and postures

Take breaks to stretch

Split time between standing and seated tasks

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Risk factor: Repetition

Repeated motions put stress on muscles, joints

Alternate tasks and postures

Take time to stretch

Use assistive equipment

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Other Risks

Environment

Obesity

Smoking

Stress

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Safe Lifting

Plan the lift

Size up the load

Establish a base

Get a good grip

Lift steadily

Keep it close

Move your feet

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If Back Pain Occurs

Strains and sprains: ice pack, then heat after 48 hours

OTC pain relievers for minor injuries

Continue normal activities

Avoid heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, etc.

Rest, but not too much bed rest

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Call a Doctor If …

Pain lasts more than 72 hours

Pain is the result of specific injury

Pain so bad you can’t move

Pain goes down your leg

Numbness in extremities

Fever, nausea, etc.

No improvement after 2-3 weeks

Summary

Be aware of risks

Stretch before task

Follow safe lifting procedures

Apply cold, then heat in event of injury

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