Back Safety

Remember - there are over 1 million workers who suffer a back injury each year. Those who lift improperly, will often suffer one of the following injuries:

Muscle strain - Symptoms can include:

• Pain around the lower back and upper buttocks
• Lower back muscle spasms
• Pain that worsens with movement

Disc injury - A common disc injury is a herniated disc, a situation where the “jelly” in the disc slips out, causing the disc to shatter, bulge or rupture. Symptoms can include:

• Pain or numbness in the area
• Agitation of the sciatic nerve

Joint injury - A common joint injury is a strain of the ligament that connects the joints. Common symptoms of back strains:

• Muscle spasms or cramping
• Difficulty walking, bending forward or backward, or standing upright
• Pain that worsens with movement
  

Lifting Steps:

1. Plan the lift –

• How heavy is the load - test it - and how far do you have to carry it? Do you need assistance? If so, get help or use assistance devices, and communicate if two or more people are involved)?
• Plan the move - Is there a clear path? If not, you should make one.

2. Stand close to the load -

• Use a wide, balanced stance with one foot slightly ahead of the other. A solid base of support reduces the likelihood of slipping and jerking movements.

3. Squat down next to load -

• "Lock in" your back - keep the lower back in its normal curved position - bend the knees and hips, NOT THE BACK. With the normal curve of the lower back "locked in", the forces are more evenly distributed on the bones and the muscles are in the strongest position to support the back.
• Bring the load as close to the body as possible - this reduces pressure in the spinal discs and
• Use a good grip on the item to reduce the chance of slipping.
• Keep the head and shoulders up as the lifting motion begins - this helps to keep the arch in the lower back.
• Tighten the stomach muscles - this uses the stomach muscles as a weight bearing structure and helps unload pressure off the spine.

4. Use your legs to lift -

• Use your leg muscles, not your back muscles, to rise to a standing position. Lock your back in its normal curve and push with your legs.

5. Move your feet (pivot) in the direction needed.

• Do not twist your upper body when carrying – turn with your feet, not your torso!

6. To put the object down -

• When it is time to set the load down, it is very important that it is done correctly. Reverse the procedures for lifting to minimize the strain on the back. If the load is going to set on the floor bend the knees and and position the load in front of you. If the load is to go at table height, set it down and keep in contact with the load until it is secure on the table.
• Lower by bending your knees; place the load on the surface, and slide it back

Tips to remember:

• Never bend your back to pick something up
• Do not lift with your back muscles!!
• Do not twist your body when carrying something.
• Never lift heavy objects higher than your chest, and never try to lift something over your shoulders.
• If possible, use a cart to carry items, especially if you have a long distance to cover; or get help.
• At all times, you should attempt to reduce the amount of lifting you have to do.