Back Injuries and Proper Lifting Techniques

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics one quarter of all compensation claims can be attributed to back injuries. On the job back injuries occur over 1 million times each year. Four out of five injuries are to the lower back and three quarters of these happen while employees are lifting.

These injuries are attributed to several things but mostly;

• Improper training in lifting techniques
• Poor conditioning and loss of flexibility
• Poor work habits and body mechanics
• Lifestyle
• Poor posture

The back supports 80% of the weight of the body when standing straight. When bending and lifting, the stress on the back can increase up to 6 times. Therefore, a 200 pound adult can put the equivalent of 960 pounds of stress on his back when he bends over. This is not counting the weight of the object being lifted which also increases six fold when being lifted bending at the waist. Add them together and it is easy to see why there are so many back strains and injuries each year.

Learn and teach proper lifting techniques.

• Plan ahead, warm up and stretch before lifting. Know your path and movements. Where are you going and is the path clear?
• Get a grip, hold the material tight and keep your balance.
• Use a solid base for lifting. Keep your feet apart shoulder width, keep the object being lifted close to your body,
• Bend with your knees and keep your back straight. Your head shoulders and hips should be in a straight line.
• Always push rather than pull a load.
• TIPS: tighten your stomach muscles and keep your eyes focused slightly upward, this will help hold your back in a lifting position.
• NEVER STRAIN, seek help when the load is too heavy or use equipment such as lifts, hand trucks, lift gates or pallet jacks.
• Never twist your trunk while lifting.
• Avoid lifting overhead with your back arched.
• Never assume a back support or lifting belt will help you lift more weight. These can assist you in keeping proper posture when lifting but will not increase the amount of load you can assert on your back.

For more information please call 866-362-2691 or e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit our website at www.westernfirstaid.com