We’ve decided to share the Toolbox Topics that come standard with SafetyAdmin.com. Every month we’ll post a new Toolbox Talk topic for you to use. Please feel free to incorporate it into your next Toolbox Talk.
The Hazard
Taking care of your back is vital to enjoying a healthy life. The challenge is that certain activities, practices and situations in the workplace and at home can cause immediate and long term back problems. Back Safety describes precautions you can take to avoid these problems.
Causes and Effects
Back strain, sprain and sometimes dislocation are injuries that occur to the back due to poor posture and excess force applied to the backbone and muscles. This results in mild to severe pain, discomfort and in some cases long term disability.
Activities and actions that cause back pain and injuries are:
• Lifting of heavy objects
• Improper object lifting techniques
• Standing for prolonged periods
• Slips, trips and falls
• Assuming poor posture while sitting
• Dropping from a height and landing with both feet on a hard surface
• Sleeping on a mattress this is too soft
Risks for experiencing back problems are higher for persons working in physically demanding jobs.
Prevention
Avoid lifting heavy objects
• Get help or use mechanical aid
Use proper lifting techniques:
• Keep the object close to the body
• Place feet apart
• Bend the knees
• Keep the back straight
• Turn by moving the feet and not the waist
Take periodic breaks when standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
Always keep the back straight and supported while sitting.
MORE TIPS FOR A HEALTHY BACK
Do
- Perform pre-shift stretching exercise to relax the back muscles.
- Inform your supervisor if you have any pre-existing musculoskeletal condition so as to be exempted from lifting objects.
- Assume proper lying position when sleeping.
- Eliminate slips, trips,and fall hazards at work and at home.
Don’t
- Perform muscle stretches if you have existing muscle, ligament or tendon injuries.
- Jump down from a high step or truck cab. Step down slowly while holding to handgrips.
- Lift objects if you are in poor physical shape.
- Sleep on a mattress that is too soft.
- Pull a load when you can push it as less force is exerted on you back muscles when pushing a load than when pulling it.
About SafetyAdmin
SafetyAdmin is a turnkey software solution and a smartphone app that includes all the content, forms and libraries you need for your health and safety program. It was built from the ground up around COR, helping you automate and streamlining your program.
SafetyAdmin was created by Delta Safety Tech, with 30 years of experience in developing health and safety programs, training, as well as External COR audit services.
To learn more about how SafetyAdmin can help your company, call us at 1-888-316-0693 or click here to schedule a free consultation and demo.
Health & Safety 