Avoiding Back Injuries

Course Description:

Back injuries are among the most common workplace injuries that cause lost days away from work. No matter what job you perform, you can injure your back on the job. Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take to avoid back injuries and the lifetime of pain and medical bills that can come with them. In this training session, you’ll learn what risk factors and hazards expose you to back injuries and what you can do to help keep your back healthy and pain-free.

Why “Avoiding Back Injuries” Matters:

• One in 5 workers suffers a back injury on the job.
• OSHA says that back injuries are the nation’s number one workplace safety problem.
• Back injuries are the second most common cause of days away from work, next to the common cold.
• Overall, 80% of Americans will have a back injury that requires medical attention at some point in their lives, so the odds are you will too.
• Men and women are equally affected.
• Back injuries are most frequently reported in working people beginning around age 30.
• But even younger people can suffer back injuries on the job if they are out of shape.
• Once your back is injured, it is more likely to be reinjured.

Key Points:

• Always maintain good posture when standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, and simply moving about.
• Try to get exercise regularly to keep your back in good condition.
• Use lifting equipment rather than trying to lift something manually. Have a plan in mind before you lift and transport any object.
• When lifting or unloading an object, use your legs rather than your back; bend at the knees when you lift or unload.
• Finally, always be thinking about your back and what you should be doing to lift and carry safely without risking a serious injury.