Overexertion

Toolbox Talk 2016

What is Safety Stand Down?• Safety Stand Down is a program designed to bring

together frontline workers and senior executives to discuss the prevention of injuries and illnesses.

• 2016 focuses on three leading causes of injury in the upstream oil and gas industry, with the goal of:

Keeping “u” out of injuries

What are the Three Leading Causes of Injury?

Highway Accidents

Slips, Trips and Falls

OverexertionCaught in

Struck by an ObjectBurns

Did You Guess Highway Accidents?

• Most people do!

• Although these types of injuries can be severe, they are not one of the leading three causes of injury.

The Three Leading Causes of Injury are: 1st 2nd 3rd

Overexertion• Today’s presentation

focuses on the #2 cause of injury - Overexertion

What is Overexertion?•Overexertion is excessive physical effort directed to an object, which can result in sprains and tears of muscle and connective tissues.

What are the Top Three Causes of Overexertion?

Handling Pipe

Pushing TrucksPulling Tires

Handling Hoses

Handling Tools and Equipment

The Top Three Causes are:#1- Handling Pipe

#2- Handling Tools and Equipment

#3- Handling Hoses

•All three of these causes of overexertion result in shoulder and back injuries.

Overexertion - the Numbers• In Western Canada, overexertion is the 2nd leading

cause of injury.

▫Alberta: 2nd

▫British Columbia: 3rd

▫Saskatchewan: 3rd

Overexertion - the Cost• Over the last five years in the three Western provinces

overexertion accounted for:

▫~3,400 claims

▫~$14,400,000.00 of claims cost

▫~40,000 lost days Highway accidents ~1,300 claims, ~$15,000,000.00 claims cost and ~25,000 lost days

Preventing Injury Due to Overexertion

• Get your body ready for work▫Conduct warm up and light stretching

•Conduct a hazard assessment prior to a lift or carry▫Any past injuries? ▫ Is the travel path understood by all and clear of

obstructions? ▫Should you have help?

Preventing Injury Due to Overexertion

• Use the correct posture for a lift and carry▫Lift with legs▫Keep loads close to your body▫Keep your back straight

• Access aids like pipe or hose holders/clasps for additional support and grip

Injury Due to Overexertion - Prevention Discussion• What are we doing well to prevent these injuries?

• What could we do better?

• What additional support do you need (e.g. training, resources, equipment, etc.)?

Injury Due to Overexertion - Resources• WorkSafeBC Lifting in the Workplace Video

• WorkSafeBC Disc Protrusion Video

• WorkSafeBC A Back Injury Can Change Your Life Video