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- Course
# 14
Back Care and Material Handling Duration:
4 hours
Fee: $ 75.00
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Back
Care
Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to demonstrate
correct lifting and carrying techniques and describe the principles of effective
back care.
| Topic
includes: | Anatomy
Posture
Lifting
and carrying techniques
Back Care off the job
Treatments for back injuries
Pre-work
exercise program |
Back
pain and injuries related to lifting and material handling
are some of
the most frequent types of injuries, both on and off the job.
While some
factors that contribute to the potential for injury
cannot be controlled,others
can be reduced or minimized.
Personal factors that may contribute
to back pain are
poor physical fitness, obesity, smoking, poor posture,
and medical/physical deficiencies
Workplace factors may include
inadequate workplace design, improper or defective material handling equipment,
improper manual or mechanical handling methods, and inadequate training.
Investing time in an effective Back Care Program yields improved productivity,
morale, and reduces potential lost work time due to injury.
D.A.L.
Enterprise
offers services
for identifying
and evaluating material handling hazards,
selection of materials handling
equipment,
and employee training. |
Program
Description
Back pain may appear suddenly but is often the result of numerous
small abuses to the back involving improper sitting or lifting over a long period
of time. While no approach has been found for totally eliminating back injuries,
a back care program can minimize their occurrence by identifying back injury risk
factors and developing means of reducing their impact.
Workplace Layout
Several
factors should be considered in work station design. The height of the work to
be performed should allow workers to sit or stand erect, rather than leaning forward.
Leaning forward for long periods may cause fatigue, increasing the likelihood
of pain or injury. Long-term standing places excessive stress on the back and
legs. Where long-term standing is necessary, a footrest or rail, resilient floor
mats, height-adjustable chairs or stools, and opportunities for workers to change
positions should be provided. Where workers are seated for long periods, chairs
used should be fully adjustable, support the lower back, and be equipped with
arm rests. When seated, knees should be supported slightly higher that hips for
good circulation. A foot rest may be used for added height. The
height of materials to be lifted should be carefully considered. Lifting that
occurs below knee level or above shoulder height is more strenuous than lifting
between these limits. Adjusting the height of a shelf or pallet, or providing
a warehouse ladder, may be necessary to achieve better lifting conditions. Mechanical
Aids
Mechanical
aids should be installed where necessary. Pneumatic lifts, conveyors, and automatic
material handling equipment are examples of mechanical aids that can be used to
reduce the amount of lifting workers may be expected to do. Training
Individuals
who engage in lifting and material handling as a part of their work should receive
training,
including the following:
1-Performing
stretching exercises and warm-ups prior to lifting,
2-Using
the right personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, safety shoes, etc. See
Section B4, Personal Protective Equipment)
3-Taking time to size up the
load (e.g. too large or heavy for one person to lift, is the lift necessary,
etc.)
4-Using proper lifting techniques (e.g. good grasp, object close
to the body, back straight, lift with legs, etc.)
5-Techniques to use for
difficult lifting jobs (e.g. oversized loads, lifts over the shoulders or
below the knees, etc.)
Individuals who are expected to perform manual lifting
should also be encouraged to maintain their fitness level by regularly exercising
and controlling their weight. Back
Belts
The goal of back belts is to impose a fixed posture on the wearer,
making it difficult or impossible to bend or twist when lifting. There is significant
disagreement on the use of back belts, however, with much contradictory evidence
regarding their effectiveness. Back belts are not considered personal protective
equipment by OSHA and are not specifically covered by existing regulations.
The Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) does not recommend the use
of back belts.Departments that choose to allow their workers to use back belts
should develop a policy on back belt use while considering the following:Back
belts are not needed if workers understand and use back care methods, proper lifting
techniques, and stay physically fit;
Information on the pros and cons
of back belts should be made available to workers prior to purchasing the belt;
Participation in any back belt program should be strictly voluntary;
Back
belt use should be permitted only after the worker has received and understood
training in back care, safe lifting, exercise, and belt use.
Roles
and Responsibilities of the:
Department
Identify operations
involving lifting or material handling that may place individuals at risk for
back injuries.
Institute appropriate engineering controls to reduce injury
potential.
Provide worker training in proper material handling methods and
techniques.
Provide workers with personal protective equipment.
Establish
back belt use policy. Supervisors
Ensure
workers are trained.
Ensure workers use proper lifting techniques.
Enforce
back belt use policy. D.A.L.
Enterprise
Provide assistance in the evaluation of material handling tasks.
Perform evaluations of lifting or material handling operations.
Provide
training when requested. Individual
Attend
training.
Use proper lifting techniques.
Strengthen the back through regular
exercise and good physical fitness.
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