SAFE LIFTING & MATERIAL HANDLING

Back Facts

Back Facts The back is more prone to injury than any other body part because it holds up the entire body and supports most of the body’s weight Anything that stresses structures of the back can cause back pain Your back is least stressed when the natural or “neutral” curves of the lower back, middle back, and neck are properly maintained.

Back Facts Most back injuries result from a combination of factors including: Poor physical conditioning (including weak back & abdominal muscles) Poor sitting & standing posture Poor diet & excess weight Poor body mechanics during lifting/material handling activities

Back Facts You can prevent most back injuries by: Improving your overall strength and fitness Learning proper “body mechanics” for maintaining posture, lifting, moving, carrying activities, etc.

Lifestyle Factors Poor Physical Conditioning… Your stomach muscles provide a lot of the support needed by your back. If you have weak abdominal muscles, your back may not get all the support it needs, especially when you are lifting or carrying heavy objects. Good physical conditioning in general is important for preventing injuries.

Lifestyle Factors Poor Sitting & Standing Posture… is another contributing factor. It is best to try to maintain the back in its natural "S" shaped curve. You want to avoid leaning forward (unsupported) when you sit, or hunching over while you're standing.

Lifestyle Factors Poor Diet & Excess Weight… can be a big problem. The more you weigh, the weaker your back muscles and the more stress placed on your back every time you bend over --- it’s a 10:1 ratio. So, watch that waist!

Lifting and Its Forces… * 07/16/96 Lifting and Its Forces… The amount of force you place on your back while lifting may surprise you! Think of your back as a lever. With the waist as the fulcrum in the center, it takes 10 pounds of pressure to lift a 10 pound object. * 3##

Lifting and Its Forces… * 07/16/96 Lifting and Its Forces… If you shift the fulcrum to one side (as during a lift), it takes more force to lift an object of the same weight. With the fulcrum off center, it takes 100 pounds of pressure to lift a 10 pound object. * 4##

Lifting and Its Forces… * 07/16/96 Lifting and Its Forces… When you add in the 105 pounds of the average human upper torso, you see that lifting a 10 pound object actually puts 1,150 pounds of pressure on the lower back! * 5##

Lifting and Its Forces… * 07/16/96 Lifting and Its Forces… If you were 25 pounds overweight this would add an additional 250 pounds of pressure (or 1400 pounds) on your lower back every time you bend over! * 6##

The Proper Lift First, prepare for the lift by: - Sizing up the load (test weight & evaluate shape) - Ensuring the path of travel is clear - Ensuring the “unloading” zone is clear and easily accessible

The Proper Lift Secondly, perform the lift Stand in a shoulder-width stance close to the load Bend at hips & knees into squatting position while maintaining upright posture Tighten stomach muscles, but don’t hold your breath Get a secure grip, hug the load LIFT WITH YOUR LEGS, NOT YOUR BACK!

Body Mechanics: Things to Avoid Heavy & Repetitive Lifting Twisting while Lifting & Carrying Above Shoulder/Below Knee Lifts “Pulling” vs. Pushing Loads Static or Awkward Postures

Body Mechanics: Things to Avoid Heavy & Repetitive Lifting - Use mechanical aids (carts, dollies, etc.) whenever possible. Get help (e.g. team lift) if needed! Twisting while Lifting & Carrying - Move your feet to turn – never twist your back. Above Shoulder/Below Knee - Use mechanical assistance (e.g. step stool/platform) for high loads and raise low loads off floor level. Do not extend to reach and lift a load.

Body Mechanics: Things to Avoid “Pulling” vs. Pushing Loads - “Push – don’t Pull”. Pushing gives twice the power of pulling. Static or Awkward Postures - Shift positions frequently during prolonged activity

Job-Specific Hazards: Carrying Equipment EXPOSURE Heavy tool bags CONTROLS Use of lightweight, wheeled tool bags vs. hand/shoulder bags Consolidate tools into several tool bags. Carry the bag containing only the most frequently used tools.

Job-Specific Hazards: Carrying Equipment EXPOSURE Laptops and Service Manuals CONTROL(S) Use of lighter weight, portable laptops Service manuals on cd for laptop users Consolidate service manuals into one small book if feasible

Job-Specific Hazards: Carrying Equipment EXPOSURE Large Parts CONTROL(S) Ship required parts directly to customer location if feasible. Otherwise, use carts or other material handling equipment for carrying

Job-Specific Hazards: Machine Maneuvering Evaluate machine placement & adjust work habits accordingly. Consider… Tight Spaces Ease of Panel Access Floor surface - carpet or tile? (for ease in machine movement) “Push – Don’t Pull” where possible Use material handling assists where feasible

Job-Specific Hazards: Awkward Postures Avoid static postures, shift positions frequently Use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Proper Footwear (comfortable, slip-resistant) Knee Pads (kneeling) Use portable stools (avoid bending & squatting)

Job-Specific Hazards: Other Other PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Safety Glasses (dust, chemicals) Cut-resistant Gloves (sharp edges) Use Powered Screwdrivers vs. Manual Screwdrivers when available to reduce repetitive stress exposure

Take Care of Your Back… And it will take care of you Exercise daily * 07/16/96 Take Care of Your Back… And it will take care of you Exercise daily Avoid heavy and/or repetitive lifting Get help with heavy or bulky objects Lift with your legs! Don’t twist at the waist Always watch where you’re going * 28##

Take Care of Your Back The back is directly involved in almost every movement you make. Damaging the back by improper lifting & poor lifestyle can lead to injury, discomfort, and limited movement. Back injuries are preventable!