Back Injuries

Back injuries from lifting are the most costly workplace injuries, and can lead to long-lasting activity limitations. Many back injuries occur when persons performing a task underestimate the weight and the strain of the activity. Miscalculating that a particular task is safe and routine is a leading factor in back injuries.

Simple changes in technique, aging, and unrecognized health conditions can lead to sudden and sometimes debilitating back problems. Protect yourself by avoiding unnecessary lifting. In addition, approach lifting tasks with care, using upright, neutral postures and proper body mechanics.

Lifting Tips

• Eliminate unnecessary lifting, whenever possible.

• If the object is over 40 to 50 pounds or bulky, do not lift it by yourself.

• If the load is in an awkward place, move it into position first, then lift.

• Always face the objects to be lifted.

• Bend your legs, not your back. Use your legs to do the work.

• Use a wide, balanced stance with one foot slightly ahead of the other.

• Use smooth, lifting movements, and do not jerk.

• Try to keep the load close to the body as you move.

• Position the load as close to waist height as possible.

• Do not twist when turning. Turn your whole body by changing foot positions.

• Lower the load slowly by bending your legs, not your back.

• Return to an upright, neutral position as soon as possible.

• Move the load towards you, not away from you.

• Use slides and lateral transfers instead of lifting.

• Reduce reaching distances.

• Place heaviest objects on shelves at waist level, lighter objects on higher or lower shelves.

• Eliminate any barriers between the load and lifter.

• Combine operations, or shorten the distances that material must be moved.

• Use a table if the load must be turned or positioned after initial lift.

• Consider automating the lifting task, or using a mechanical lifting device.

• Reduce the load so that the weights are within these lifting guidelines.

• If the load is to heavy or bulky, get help to lift it.

• Transport loads on a cart by pushing, not pulling.