WRITTEN BY GARY SMITH, APARTMENT BUILDING MANAGEMENT WORKERS COMPENSATION SELF INSURED FUND
Back injuries can be very painful and long-lasting. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the back injuries of more than 1 million workers account for nearly 20 percent of all injuries and illnesses in the workplace. In fact, only the common cold accounts for more lost days of work.
OSHA and MIOSHA do not have specific regulations for back safety, but training employees to lift safely is implied by the General Duty Clause of the federal and state workplace safety statutes. These laws require employers to provide employees with a workplace that is “free of recognized hazards.” OSHA and MIOSHA have stated that they will not focus enforcement efforts on employers that have implemented effective ergonomic programs or that are making good-faith efforts to reduce hazards that cause worker strains and sprains (e.g., back safety training).
Safe lifting practices and load-carrying techniques are crucial to preventing painful and expensive injuries in the workplace. Unfortunately, most workers do not consistently use these safety practices, which leads to greater risk to their personal well-being. Back injuries, often caused by unsafe lifting and carrying of heavy or awkward objects, are easily prevented. The most common types of job-related back injuries are:
- Strain – overused or overstretched muscles
- Sprain – torn ligaments from sudden movement
- Herniated disk – loss of the spine’s cushioning ability from strain or age
An effective back safety program uses both education and training to reduce the risk of these common workplace injuries. Education helps to form personal beliefs and training helps to form personal practices.
Although improper lifting, carrying, and moving techniques are the primary cause of back injuries, significant contributing factors are workers who are in poor physical condition and overweight. Encourage employees to also maintain a healthy weight and good muscle tone through stretching exercises and other wellness programs.
The following educational and training resources are available without cost:
- Safety Talk – Lifting and Back Safety http://www.nsc.org/Membership%20Site%20Document%20Library/Lifting-and-Back-Safety.pdf
- Safety Talk – Safe Lifting Techniques http://www.michigan.gov/documents/CIS_WSH_talk1_73150_7.htm
- Safety Talk – Manual Handling of Materials http://www.michigan.gov/documents/CIS_WSH_talk9_73232_7.htm
- Safe Lifting Articles from National Safety Council http://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/topics/964-safe-lifting
- Proper Lifting Techniques from Ergonomics Plus http://ergo-plus.com/wp-content/uploads/WA-Handout-Proper-Lifting-Techniques.pdf
- Lifting Limits for Employees – MIOSHA Interpretation http://www.michigan.gov/documents/cis/wsh_lifting_176907_7.doc
- Back Health Exercises – Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/multimedia/back-pain/sls-20076265
Be sure to document education and training by using a written record with the following sections: date, time, facilitator name, subjects/content covered, attendee names/signatures, and those absent (who will require make-up).
Remember that back injuries are easily preventable. Educate and train frequently, and follow-up with workplace observations to ensure that the knowledge is being put into practice.
Should you require assistance with back safety education and training, please contact Gary Smith, CRM, at (517) 338-3367 or gary.smith@yorkrsg.com