Back Safety, Materials Handling and Lifting

Back Safety Training

Materials handling and lifting

Learning Objectives
This training is designed to:
Discuss the importance of back safety and identify the factors contributing to back injuries and disorders Illustrate and discuss poor sitting and standing postures versus correct postures Discuss proper lifting techniques and reasons why people lift incorrectly; demonstrate proper lifting techniques Demonstrate exercises and stretches for good back care
BEHAVIORAL SAFETY PRINCIPLES #1 We believe all incidents and injuries can be prevented #2 Everyone’s first responsibility is to ensure s/he works safely #6 We should look out for each other’s safety and unsafe situations

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Learning Outcomes
By the end of this training, learners will be able to:
Identify three causes of back injuries and disorders and match them to three preventive or corrective measures
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Recognize poor sitting and standing posture and demonstrate correct postures

Approach other employees or contractors demonstrating unsafe behaviors in terms of posture and lifting a load Demonstrate two basic exercises for good back care Explain how to assess the hazards of lifting a load

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Why all the emphasis on back injuries?
Back injuries are considered by OSHA the nation’s #1 workplace safety problem Back injuries are often:
–Very painful –A long term or lifetime disability –Expensive to diagnose and treat

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If Vicodin, Percocet or a similar opiate is prescribed for back pain, workers should make the Medical department aware of the new prescription

Back Pain Facts & Statistics
According to the American Chiropractic Association:
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Back

27% 40%
Shoulder

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Low back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide One-half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year. Back pain is the second only to colds as the most common reason for doctor’s office visits. Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back