Lifting and Your Back

1. Lifting and Your Back Preventing Back Injury

2. Back Injury According to the National Center for Health Statistics, low back pain: • Is the most common work-related medical problem in the U.S. • Is the second most common reason for doctor visits among U.S. citizens • Affects more than 20 million Americans • Is the leading cause of disability among people ages 19-45

3. Risk Factors Many factors increase the risk for back problems: • Lifestyle choices - tobacco use, lack of regular exercise, and inadequate nutrition substantially contribute to poor disc health • Aging - natural biochemical changes cause discs to gradually dry out affecting disc strength and resiliency • Poor posture – long-term use of incorrect body mechanics stresses the lumbar spine and affects its normal ability to carry the bulk of the body's weight • Poor work habits and improper lifting!

4. Rules for Lifting • Never bend, lift, and twist at the same time • Use mechanical aids or assistance when possible • Bend your knees and use your legs to lift

5. Proper Lifting Plan the Lift • Before lifting, analyze what needs to be done • Think about how heavy the object is • How far does it have to be moved? • Where it is going to end up? • Consider the shape of the object • Is it cumbersome? • Is it easily manipulated? • Is it a two-person job? • Look at the path • Is there anything in the way that needs to be moved?

6. Proper Lifting Position Your Body • Stand directly in front of the load • Feet about shoulder width apart • One foot in front of the other for balance • Bend your knees • Tighten the stomach muscles • Using both hands, grasp the object firmly • Pull it as close to your body as possible

7. Proper Lifting Push Up with your Legs • Remember to lift primarily with your legs, not with your back • Since leg muscles are stronger than back muscles, push up with your legs, until straightened • Avoid jerky movements • Keep the natural curve in the spine • Don't bend at the waist • To turn, move the feet around by pivoting on the toes • Don’t twist at the stomach

8. Proper Lifting Partner Up • If the load is too heavy, don’t try to lift it alone! • Find someone who can help • If possible, break the load into smaller, more manageable loads

9. Proper Lifting • When it is time to set the load down, reverse the procedure • If the load is going to set on the floor, bend the knees and position the load in front of you • If the load is to go at table height, set it down and keep in contact with the load until it is secure on the table.

10. Final Thoughts • Think before you lift • Use common sense • Avoid risky behavior • Excessive Bending • Excessive Twisting • Excessive Reaching • Excessive Weights • Gently point out unsafe behaviors to others • Help others perform safe lifts

11. Thank you for your cooperation!