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SECTION A7: BACK CARE PROGRAM
Introduction
Back pain and injuries related to lifting and material handling are some
of the most frequent types of injuries, both on and off the job. While
some factors that contribute to the potential for injury cannot be controlled,
others can be reduced or minimized. Poor physical fitness, obesity, smoking,
poor posture, and medical/physical deficiencies are personal factors that
may contribute to back pain. Workplace factors may include inadequate
workplace design, improper or defective material handling equipment, improper
manual or mechanical handling methods, and inadequate training. Investing
time in an effective Back Care Program yields improved productivity, morale,
and reduces potential lost work time due to injury.
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Scope and Application
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Program Description
Back pain may appear suddenly but is often the result of numerous small
abuses to the back involving improper sitting or lifting over a long period
of time. While no approach has been found for totally eliminating back
injuries, a back care program can minimize their occurrence by identifying
back injury risk factors and developing means of reducing their impact.
Workplace Layout
Several factors should be considered in work station design. The
height of the work to be performed should allow workers to sit or
stand erect, rather than leaning forward. Leaning forward for long
periods may cause fatigue, increasing the likelihood of pain or injury.
Long-term standing places excessive stress on the back and legs. Where
long-term standing is necessary, a footrest or rail, resilient floor
mats, height-adjustable chairs or stools, and opportunities for workers
to change positions should be provided. Where workers are seated for
long periods, chairs used should be fully adjustable, support the
lower back, and be equipped with arm rests.
The height of materials to be lifted should be carefully considered.
Lifting that occurs below knee level or above shoulder height is more
strenuous than lifting between these limits. Adjusting the height
of a shelf or pallet, or providing a warehouse ladder, may be necessary
to achieve better lifting conditions.
Mechanical Aids
Mechanical aids should be installed where necessary. Pneumatic lifts,
conveyors, and automatic material handling equipment are examples
of mechanical aids that can be used to reduce the amount of lifting
workers may be expected to do.
Training
Individuals who engage in lifting and material handling as a part
of their work should receive training,
including the following: ·
- Performing stretching exercises and warm-ups prior to lifting,
- Using the right personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, safety
shoes, etc. See Section
B4, Personal Protective Equipment)
- Taking time to size up the load (e.g. too large or heavy for
one person to lift, is the lift necessary, etc.)
- Using proper lifting techniques (e.g. good grasp, object close
to the body, back straight, lift with legs, etc.)
- Techniques to use for difficult lifting jobs (e.g. oversized
loads, lifts over the shoulders or below the knees, etc.)
Individuals who are expected to perform manual lifting should also
be encouraged to maintain their fitness level by regularly exercising
and controlling their weight.
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Roles and Responsibilities
Department
- Identify operations involving lifting or material handling that
may place individuals at risk for back injuries.
- Institute
appropriate engineering controls to reduce injury potential.
- Provide worker training in proper material handling methods and
techniques.
- Provide workers with personal protective equipment.
Supervisors
- Ensure workers are trained.
- Ensure workers use proper lifting techniques.
EHS
- Provide assistance in the evaluation of material handling tasks.
- Perform evaluations of lifting or material handling operations.
- Provide training
when requested.
Individual
- Attend training.
- Use proper lifting techniques.
- Strengthen the back through regular exercise and good physical
fitness.
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For More Information
Contact an EHS Safety Engineer at 258-5294.
A Personal Protective Equipment Hazard Assessment is
available through EHS.
Several informational handouts on back care, safe lifting, and back
belts are available through EHS. Additional references available through
EHS include:
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