Improving America’s health, one patient at a time. Low Back Injury Prevention Kathleen McCarthy, M.S. Concentra Health Services

Improving America’s health, one patient at a time.

Back Pain Is Preventable 80-85% is due to lifestyle Poor posture Excess weight Poor physical condition Improper lifting 15-20% is due to disease & malformation

Improving America’s health, one patient at a time. Causes of Low Back Injury Mismatch between worker and job demands at time of hire and return to work Ergonomic issues with job Bad work practices

Improving America’s health, one patient at a time. Prevention is the Key Evaluate current situation Identify problem jobs Determine causes Identify solutions

Improving America’s health, one patient at a time. Bad Match at Time of Hire Pre-placement screening Drug screen Medical physical Functional test “Can this person perform the essential job functions?”

Improving America’s health, one patient at a time. Ergonomic Risk Factors Awkward postures Forceful lifting, pushing, pulling Prolonged repetitive motion Contact stress Vibration

Improving America’s health, one patient at a time. Awkward Postures Keep back in neutral Avoid twisting Keep load close Stay in Power Zone

Improving America’s health, one patient at a time. Pushing/Pulling Keep load close Keep materials below eye level Keep back upright Use leg, buttock muscles to generate force

Improving America’s health, one patient at a time. Bad Work Practices Best addressed with training Lifting, pushing, pulling techniques Housekeeping Tool usage Work pace Evaluate new hire training

Improving America’s health, one patient at a time. Preventing Back Pain Improve posture Lift properly Keep curve in low back Avoid twisting: “nose & toes same direction” Minimize reaches Push rather than pull Stay in shape

Improving America’s health, one patient at a time. Stretches Total body stretch Performed standing up Takes only 5 to 7 minutes

Improving America’s health, one patient at a time. Questions?