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Back Safety and Lifting |
This class can be modified to meet the needs of the employees and the department. It is recommended for everyone, including office workers.
Variations:
- Basic Lifting
- Developing a Back Safety Program (4 hour seminar)
Length
Flexible
Outline
Back injury statistics
Common causes of back injuries:
- Heavy lifting
- Twisting and lifting
- Bending and overexerting / awkward positions
- Lifting objects w/ odd shapes
- Reaching and lifting
- Sitting or standing too long in one position
Also unrelated activities such as:
- Slipping on water or ice
- Sleep in a poor position or on a poor mattress (too soft)
Anatomy of the back
Fulcrum / lever principle & 10:1 ratio
Things which increase the risk of back injury:
- Poor physical condition
- Poor posture
- Extra weight
- Stress (tense muscles)
- Overdoing it (afraid to say "too heavy for me")
Ways to prevent back injuries:
- Slow down
- Stretch first
- Rest your back (take frequent breaks)
- Sleep on firm mattress
- Avoid lifting whenever possible
- Push, don't pull
- Avoid twisting at the waist
- Get help lifting awkward, heavy objects
- Use carts / hand trucks
- Work in safe zone between shoulders and waist
- Lift correctly
Proper lifting procedures (also shoveling when applicable)
Proper posture
Excercises
Where to go for more information
Materials
TV/VCR, overhead projector (Developing a Back Safety Program seminar)
Handouts:
Back
Excercises
Lifting
Basics
Videos:
Backs, the Ergonomic Connection - Summit
(14 min)
Safe Lifting - Long Island Productions
(5 min., good review of safe lifting techniques)
Miscellaneous
Online
Back Safety Training Module
Back Safety Links
