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.
Scope and Application
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) applies the
General Duty Clause to workplace conditions likely to cause back injuries.
Departments that have jobs or tasks that require frequent handling of
packages, objects, or materials are responsible for ensuring that adequate
controls and procedures are in place to minimize the possibility of back
injuries.
Purpose:
It
is the responsibility of department heads and supervisors to ensure that
these policies are implemented and communicated to persons involved in any
type of lifting and/or carrying. It
is the responsibility of everyone to follow safe work practices and comply
with these rules regarding work practices. The effectiveness of the
back safety plan depends upon the active support and involvement of all
persons affected.
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. When seated, knees should be supported slightly higher that hips
for good circulation. A foot rest may be used for added height.
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 which includes the following:
- Performing stretching exercises and warm-ups prior to lifting,
- Using the right personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, safety
shoes, etc.)
- 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.
Back Belts
Back belts are a controversial addition to the techniques used in the
prevention of back pain. The goal of back belts is to impose a fixed
posture on the wearer, making it difficult or impossible to bend or twist
when lifting. There is significant disagreement on the use of back belts,
however, with much contradictory evidence regarding their effectiveness.
Back belts are not considered personal protective equipment by OSHA and
are not specifically covered by existing regulations.
Departments that choose to allow their workers to use back belts should
develop a policy on back belt use while considering the following:
- Back belts are not needed if workers understand and use back care
methods, proper lifting techniques, and stay physically fit;
- Information on the pros and cons of back belts should be made
available to workers prior to purchasing the belt;
- Participation in any back belt program should be strictly voluntary;
- Back belt use should be permitted only after the worker has received
and understood training in back care, safe lifting, exercise, and belt
use.
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.
- Establish back belt use policy.
Supervisors
- Ensure workers are trained.
- Ensure workers use proper lifting techniques.
- Enforce back belt use policy.
Individual
- Attend training.
- Use proper lifting techniques.
- Strengthen the back through regular exercise and good physical
fitness.
Office of Safety and Fire Protection
- Provide assistance in the evaluation of material handling tasks.
- Perform evaluations of lifting or material handling operations.
- Provide training when requested.
Safe
Lifting Techniques
The
following points outline good lifting practices and procedures, safe
lifting techniques that may be taught to minimize the risk of back injury
and pain.
The
basics of good lifting are:
1.
Size
up the load before you lift it. Test
by lifting one of the corners or pushing.
If it is heavy or feels too clumsy, get a mechanical aid or help
from another person. When in doubt, don't lift alone!
2.
BEND
THE KNEES! This is the single
most important aspect of lifting.
3.
When
performing the lift:
·
Place
your feet close to the object and center yourself over the load.
·
Get
a good handhold.
·
Lift
straight up, smoothly and let your legs do the work, not your back!
·
Avoid
overreaching or stretching to pick up or set down a load.
4.
Do
not twist or turn your body once you have made the lift.
5.
Make
sure beforehand that you have a clear pathway to carry the load.
6.
Set
the load down properly.
7.
Always
push, rather than pull, the object when possible.
8.
Change
the lifting situation if possible to minimize a lifting hazard:
·
If
it is a long load, get help.
·
Split
the load into several smaller ones, when you can, to achieve manageable
lifting weight.
·
Avoid
lifts from below the knees or above the shoulders by using mechanical
aids, positioning yourself so that the object to move is within an
acceptable lifting range (between the shoulders and knees), and/or getting
help with the lift.
Alternative
Materials-Handling Techniques
Alternative
materials-handling techniques for carrying or moving loads are to be used
whenever possible to minimize lifting and bending requirements.
These alternative techniques include the use of:
·
Hoists
·
Carts
·
Forklifts
·
Other mechanical devices
·
Dollies
Other
Safe Work Techniques
Work
issues other than lifting are related to back pain or injury.
You can avoid them or improve work techniques related to them.
1.
Catching
Objects & Working Low---When
catching falling or tossed objects, you feet should be firmly planted,
with your back straight and your knees slightly bent. Your legs should absorb the impact, not your back.
If you are working on something low, bend you knees.
Keep your back as straight as possible.
Bending from the waist can lead to back pain.
If you have to use your back, keep your knees bent and your back
flat. In both of these situations, frequent rest breaks are
necessary to keep from getting back fatigue.
2.
Extending
Sitting/Standing---Certain
jobs require long hours of standing or sitting.
These conditions can create back troubles.
Get up and stretch frequently if you are required to sit for long
periods. If standing, ease
the strain on your lower back by changing foot positions often, placing
one foot on a rail or ledge. However,
keep you weight evenly balanced when standing.
Don't lean to one side.
3.
Other
Materials Handling Tasks---Tasks
such as lowering, pushing, pulling, and carrying can create hazards to the
back as well. If the task
feels uncomfortable or unnatural, utilize the alternative
materials-handling techniques listed in this Back Safety Plan.
4.
Housekeeping---Poor
housekeeping: slippery
floors, crowded work conditions, tools or other hazards on the floor can
create slip, trip or fall hazards that can result in back injury.
5.
Poor
Posture at Work---Be
aware of proper posture when sitting, standing, or reclining.
When sitting, your knees should be slightly higher than you hips
and your shoulders and upper back should be straight.
6.
Poor
Lighting---Poor
lighting in the work area can lead to poor work practices that result in
injuries of many types. Make
sure lighting is adequate for the task at hand, replace burned out light
bulbs, and point out hazardous areas to your immediate supervisor.
Final
Note
If
you ever have back pain when working, inform your supervisor immediately
with a description of the task you were performing before and during the
occurrence of pain. If you
receive medical treatment of any kind for back pain or injury (whether
work related or not), let your supervisor know that as well.
(Safety Office personnel are available to conduct departmental or
individual training relative to any of the listed safety topics upon
request. Please contact the safety
office with your request or with any questions regarding information
on the Safety Web Page.)