1. Ergonomics @ Work Manual Labour Ontario Chiropractic Association www.chiropractic.on.ca  oca@chiropractic.on.ca

2. Manual Labour Today we will: 1)Identify the risks for poor spinal health at work 2)Provide tips on the prevention of work related injuries 3)Suggest how to improve poor ergonomics

3. Your Back Your back supports your upper body while protecting your spine and allowing for flexibility. Four natural curves to your back: neck, middle back, lower back and tailbone Your spine contains 24 vertebrae separated by discs to absorb shock, fluid inside the discs allows movement Too much of the wrong movement can cause wear and tear

4. Back Pain Low back pain affects 85% of working population Over 50% of sufferers find back pain affects their quality of life and limits recreational activities Back pain is one of the most common causes of lost time at work:

5. What is Ergonomics? Using scientific information and techniques to position your body relative to your surroundings to minimize Physical Stress.

6. Identifying the Risks Lifting heavy/awkward loads Long periods of standing Long periods of sitting Poor posture Poorly designed work stations Poorly fitted chair Computer screens sitting at wrong height or angle Common causes of back strain at work:

7. Preventative Tips Warm up with some stretches before starting work Lift any heavy or awkward objects properly, using your legs to lift and avoid any twisting People affected include: If your job involves physical labour: Construction workers EMS Movers

8. Preventative Tips If your job means standing most of the day: Take mini-breaks and move around for a bit When working do some easy stretches People affected include: Waiters/Waitresses Cashiers Factory workers

9. Preventative Tips Make sure your seat is the proper distance from the wheel Knees should be slightly bent level to your hips Seat should be upright and slightly reclined Headrest should be directly behind your head If your job means that you’re behind the wheel: People affected include: Taxi Drivers Truck Drivers Bus Drivers

10. Chiropractic Care Chiropractors use manual therapies to treat neuro- musculoskeletal disorders, including : Acute and chronic injuries and conditions Back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches, chronic pain, osteoarthritis and many more Chiropractors also assist their patients with: nutrition, exercise programs, lifestyle and work habits

11. Chiropractic Care Chiropractic is a regulated health profession More than 6,500 chiropractors in Canada Each year more than 4 million Canadians visit a chiropractor Chiropractors are primary health care professionals.

12. Chiropractic Care Chiropractors consistently receive among the highest patient satisfaction ratings because patients report: Chiropractors listen Chiropractors understand their condition Treatment was effective

13. More Information For further information, please contact my clinic or: Ontario Chiropractic Association 200-20 Victoria St., Toronto, ON., M5C 2N8 Web: www.chiropractic.on.ca E-mail: oca@chiropractic.on.ca Phone: 416-860-0070  1-877-327-2273