Copyright ©2012 Progressive Business Publications Back Safety

Copyright ©2012 Progressive Business Publications 2 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

Copyright ©2012 Progressive Business Publications 3 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

Copyright ©2012 Progressive Business Publications 4 The Muscles 4 groups: –Back –Stomach –Hip flexor –Side The stronger the muscles, the less chance of injury

Copyright ©2012 Progressive Business Publications 5 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

Copyright ©2012 Progressive Business Publications 6 Types of Back Pain 2 Short-term – common, lasts no longer than 3 months Long-term – longer than 3 months; may cause disability

Copyright ©2012 Progressive Business Publications 7 Stretching Activity prevents back pain and relieves it Increases flexibility, range of motion Helps efficiency

Copyright ©2012 Progressive Business Publications 8 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!

Copyright ©2012 Progressive Business Publications 9 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

Copyright ©2012 Progressive Business Publications 10 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

Copyright ©2012 Progressive Business Publications 11 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

Copyright ©2012 Progressive Business Publications 12 Risk factor: Repetition Repeated motions put stress on muscles, joints Alternate tasks and postures Take time to stretch Use assistive equipment

Copyright ©2012 Progressive Business Publications 13 Other Risks Environment Obesity Smoking Stress

Copyright ©2012 Progressive Business Publications 14 Safe Lifting Plan the lift Size up the load Establish a base Get a good grip Lift steadily Keep it close Move your feet

Copyright ©2012 Progressive Business Publications 15 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

Copyright ©2012 Progressive Business Publications 16 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 Copyright ©2012 Progressive Business Publications 17