OSHA 502 Backsafety Final
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Transcript of OSHA 502 Backsafety Final
Back Injury Prevention in the Workplace
Fositi Marie Athey, OHST
Upon completion of the program, employees should:
Knowledge of Back Mechanics
Understand the most common types of back injury causes.
Demonstrate proper lifting techniques
Implement preventive measures
Achieve Target Zero
Leading cause of disability 80% of Americans have a back injury requiring
medical Second most common cause of lost work days Back injuries occur more often at home Injured backs are subject to re-injury Missed work, lifetime of pain Average cost of a back injury is 40-80K
To make on simple lift, your back uses:
Vertebrae (bones), nerves, discs,
ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
The basic function of the spine is to provide support for the upper body
Protect the spinal cord Allow for movements
such as bending and rotating.
The adult spine is made up of approximately 24 bones (vertebrae)
Stacked on top of each other from the bottom of the skull to the pelvis
Surround and protect the spinal cord and nerves
Bears about 80% of the load while standing
The discs function as the shock absorbers.
At birth discs are 80% water
There are 23 discs.
Discs are described as being like a jelly donut, but tougher.
Discs have very few nerve endings and no blood supply, no regeneration
Tendons are bands of tough, fibrous tissue that connect muscles to bones.
Ligaments, similar
to tendons, are
tough connective
tissue that connect
bones to bones.
Muscles provide
support and
movement for the
spine
Nerves travel down from the brain and group to form the spinal cord.
Arm pain - cervical disc herniation is usually accompanied by numbness/tingling and runs to the fingers.
Leg pain - lumbar disc herniation will usually run below the knee, and possibly to the foot, and may be accompanied by numbness
Back and neck problems are generally the result of repeated misuse or degeneration, rather than the result of one specific event.
It is not generally one movement, but rather the repetition, force and duration associated with the movement that leads to a back disorder.
Work habits and personal lifestyle habits Physical environment-force, repetition,
position Physical condition Previous injuries Attitude/stress Physical trauma (fall, car accidents, etc.)
Back problems are not just lifting problems.
Work Activities
Lifting a ten pound object actually puts 100 pounds of pressure on your lower back.
Avoid Lifting and Bending Whenever You Can!
Set the object on a table or other elevated surface instead of on the floor.
Raise / lower shelves or work areas.
Think Safe Zone where lifting is between your shoulders and your waist.
Put heavy objects on shelves at waist level, lighter objects on lower or higher shelves.
Use carts and dollies to move objects, instead of carrying them yourself.
Push- Don’t Pull Carts!
Size up the load
Weight
Shape and size
“Toe test”
Clear the path
Objects
Tight doorways or corners
1. Take a balanced stance with your feet about a shoulder-width apart. One foot can be behind the object and the other next to it. " Squat down to lift the object, but keep your heels off the floor. Get as close to the object as you can.
2. Use your palms (not just your fingers) to get a secure grip on the load. Make sure you'll be able to maintain a hold on the object without switching your grip later.
3. Lift gradually (without jerking) using your leg, abdominal and buttock muscles and keeping the load as close to you as possible.
4. Once you're standing, change directions by pointing your feet in the direction you want to go and turning your whole body.
5. Avoid twisting at your waist while carrying a load.
Designate one person to lead the lift
Lift at the same time Keep the load level Unload slowly together
General Industry/ Construction:
Powered equipment such as forklifts, powered carts, and electric pallet jacks
Hand trucks, carts, pallet jacks
Cranes and hoists
Conveyors
Healthcare: Gait or transfer belts, slide boards, transfer mats, mechanical lift equipment.
Most back injuries occur in the morning Warm up muscles, stretch Hydrate!
H2O
Walking Stretching Sit-ups Leg lifts Squats Proper diet Adequate Rest Stress Reduction
Technique is just as important as lifting Use your knees Keep your back straight Squat down with the load Do not bend your back over with the load Be careful of fingers Unload in a safe zone if possible
Finding Your Safety Zone
Between the Shoulders and Waist
Immediately after driving you have an increased chance of a lower back injury from lifting?
Neck, shoulder and back pain are common after sitting for long periods, and from whole body vibration.
Change seat position a notch or two as needed
Use lumbar support and seat cushions Adjust steering wheel periodically Rest/Stretch break 5 minutes every hour or so
Maintain the normal curves of the spine as much as possible.
Stand on anti-fatigue mats and/or wear soft-soled shoes or inserts.
Do not stand with your legs in a locked position.
Stretch periodically to give your back a break.
Maintain the normal curves in your spine.
Place feet comfortably on the floor or footrest.
Locate materials within arm’s reach.
Change positions frequently throughout the day.
Get Help! Think long term Don’t try to lift
too much Consider your
back in all things
Re-design work area to prevent twisting
and injury potential.
Rotate jobs so that long periods of standing or sitting are reduced
Take shorter, but more frequent rest breaks
Summary
Back injury statistics Mechanism of lifting Taking care of the Back Proper lifting techniques Identifying Hazards Correcting Hazards