Toolbox Talk: Back Safety

Back Safety

Introduction
8 out of every 10 Americans will suffer from back pain at some time in their lives. Improper lifting is the biggest cause of back injuries in the U.S.

Safe Lifting Procedures:
• Face the load squarely, place your feet about shoulder width apart with one foot just ahead of the other;
• Bend your knees and squat, keeping your back straight;
• Get a good grip on the load, use your hands, not just your fingertips;
• Lift steadily with your legs;
• Keep the load tight to your body;
• Keep your back straight if you carry the load;
• Follow the same procedures in reverse when putting the load down;
• Use mechanical help, like a cart or hand truck, when you can.

What Else Helps Your Back?
• Avoid high heels;
• If you have to sit for a long time, sit up straight and use a firm chair. Get up now and then and move around.
o Keep both your feet on the floor;
o Don’t cross your legs;
o Get up and stretch now and then, but don’t arch your back;
• Sleep on a firm mattress.
• Sleep on your side with your knees bent and separated by a pillow, or on your back with pillows under your knees and a pillow supporting your neck.

Taking Care of Your Back
If you’re in good health, chances are your back is healthy too. Stomach muscles as well as back muscles help support your back. If either of those muscle groups are weak or maybe strained by a protruding abdominal region of good living, your risk of having a bad back is greater. And maybe you should think about getting involved in a regular exercise program.

Exercising reduces stress and stress can also contribute to back injuries. Stress causes muscles to tense. Tense back muscles can mean back pain.

Regular exercise will also help you keep your weight in check. Those extra pounds cause a constant strain on your back. So for all of the above reasons, do yourself a favor: exercise.

Finally, if something is too heavy to handle by yourself, get help.

Thanks for the share RF!