Back disorders are listed in the "top ten" leading
workplace injuries published by the National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health. They account for 27 percent of
all nonfatal injuries and illnesses involving days away from
work. It's no wonder. Your back is a sophisticated piece of
machinery made up of numerous muscles, bones, nerves, and
supporting tissues. It's a machine you use every day, probably in
ways you don't even notice.
Just like the finest machinery, your back requires proper care
to keep it working. If it's not working right, you'll suffer. An
injured back affects your ability to move your limbs, your hips,
your neck, and your head. Injuries to the back can be very
debilitating, causing a lot of pain, time away from work, and
often requiring physical therapy or even surgery. Everyone whose
job involves stressful lifting or awkward postures is at risk for
a back injury. Here are some tips to keep your back in optimum
condition:
Back injury prevention while lifting:
Don't bend over an object you are lifting. Bend your
knees, squatting in front of the object to reach it.
Lift the object slowly and carefully, using your leg and
arm muscles to lift, not pulling with your back.
Keep your head up and look straight ahead while making
the lift.
While lifting, keep the object as close to your body as
possible.
Keep abdominal muscles tight while making the lift.
Use the same techniques when you put the object down.
If the object is too big or too heavy to lift using these
techniques, use mechanical assistance or get someone else
to help.
Back injury prevention When reaching for objects:
Do not reach for an object unless you're sure you're
strong enough to lift it.
Use a step ladder to reach objects above shoulder height.
Avoid awkward stretches while reaching. These stress your
back and could cause you to lose your balance.
Don't depend on structures to support you (e.g., a shelf
support, a storage rack, etc.). These could easily give
way if you pull or tug on them.
Exercise also plays an important role in keeping your back
strong, healthy, and flexible. A properly exercised back is less
likely to be injured. Your physician, company medical personnel,
or other heath-care provider can recommend the best exercises for
you, taking into account your physical condition and the type of
work you do.
Finally, a word about back belts. There's a lot of controversy
about using back belts to control low back injuries in workers
who don't have an existing injury. According to a report
published by the National Safety Council, available scientific
data does not completely support nor condemn the use of back
belts to control low back injuries. One thing that is agreed upon
is that back belts should never be a substitute for a
comprehensive back injury prevention program. Taking this into
consideration, many companies have developed a back belt policy.
If you do use a back belt, be aware that you may experience a
false sense of security by wearing the belt. You may be tempted
to lift loads you wouldn't otherwise lift. Remember, it's your
back doing the work--not the belt!
Always be alert for situations that could cause a
back injury. Be kind to your back. Don't take unnecessary
chances. By following proper lifting and reaching techniques and
exercising properly, you'll help keep back problems behind you!
