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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.
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Topic includes:
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Anatomy
Posture
Lifting and carrying techniques
Back Care off the job
Treatments for back injuries
Pre-work exercise program
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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.
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D.
A.
L. Enterprise
offers services
for identifying and evaluating material handling hazards,
selection of materials handling equipment,
and employee training.
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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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