MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY
We all know back injuries are a major problem when it comes
to workplace safety. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “more than
one million workers suffer back injuries each year, and back injuries account
for one of every five workplace injuries or illnesses. Further, one-fourth of
all compensation indemnity claims involve back injuries, costing industry
billions of dollars on top of the pain and suffering borne by employees.”
So it’s clear back injuries are a major concern in the
workplace, but identifying the problem is only the first step in fixing it. So
today we are going to focus on the steps administration, employees, and
engineers can take to prevent back
injuries.
Some possible steps employers can take to limit back injuries among
workers include:
- Strength testing works to reduce assignment of works to
jobs that exceed their strength capabilities. A study has shown this can
prevent up to one-third of work-related injuries
- Training employees to utilize lifting techniques that
place minimum stress on the lower back.
- Advice or implement physical conditioning or stretching
programs to reduce the risk of muscle strain.
Suggested
engineering controls include:
- A reduction in the size or weight of the object lifted.
The parameters include maximum allowable weights for a given set of task
requirements; the compactness of a package; the presence of handles, and
the stability of the package being handled.
- Adjusting the height of a pallet or shelf. Lifting
which occurs below knee height or above shoulder height is more strenuous
than lifting between these limits. Obstructions which prevent an
employee's body contact with the object being lifted also generally
increase the risk of injury.
- Installation of mechanical aids such as pneumatic
lifts, conveyors, and/or automated materials handling equipment.
Another recent study that was done
found that up to one-third of
compensable back injuries could be prevented through better ergonomics. Now
that is a large number of expensive injuries that could be prevented easily.
Not only would it save money and man hours, but more importantly would increase
safe, healthy, happy employees.
Contributed by Joe Wheatley
Demand Generation Specialist, Lift’n
Buddy
Thank you for your time and attention. Let's make it safe this Monday.
Aaron M. Lamb
General Manager, Lift'n Buddy. A Southworth Company
Aaron M. Lamb
General Manager, Lift'n Buddy. A Southworth Company
