Lift Smart, Don't Be A Statistic

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

Back injuries in the workplace are one of the most costly musculoskeletal disorders in the United States according to a study done at the University of Minnesota.  Lower-back pain affects over 1,000,000 workers in the United States each year.  More people miss work due to back injuries than any other musculoskeletal disorder. 

What causes this back pain though?  Back injuries are very common among those who work primarily in physical labor.  It can be caused by lifting to heavy of an object, repetitive lifting, lifting in extreme cold, lifting or carrying awkwardly shaped objects, or improper lifting and carrying form.  Back injuries can also be caused by standing too long or having poor posture when sitting or standing.  Back injuries are one of the most preventable types of injuries in the workplace.  They can be prevented by proper lifting technique, having mechanical help, or having others help.   Some options are more costly and effective than others. 

Having mechanical devices such as lifts or pulleys can be more expensive but studies show that the initial investment will more than likely be cheaper in the long run compared to the cost of workers compensation for those who are injured and the cost of hiring those to replace them or the cost to pay other workers more to cover their shifts.  Back injuries are very common in the work place and can be caused many different ways, but there are ways to help try to prevent some of the injuries from happening in the first place.

Thank you for your time and attention.  Let's make it safe this Monday.

Contributed by Dale Bromenshenkel,

Demand Generation Specialist, Lift'n Buddy, A Southworth Company.