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The following safety module
is intended to be used as a refresher safety awareness session and is in no way
to be used as a substitute for job training nor proper equipment use.
Your backbone is made
up of 24 individual bones called vertebrae that are stacked on top of one another.
Your vertebrae are separated by soft discs of cartilage that perform as shock
absorbers for your vertebrae, and also help your back to bend, twist and move
around. Most of the support to your spine is maintained by your stomach muscles,
as well as the many muscles and ligaments that run up and down the length of your
back.
The safety modules
may be used by anyone with the understanding that credit be given to AgSafe.
Preventing a back injury is much easier than repairing one. Because your back
is critically important to your ability to walk, sit, stand, and run, it's important
to take care of it. Most back pain arises from using your back improperly, so
learning a few basic rules about lifting, posture and proper exercise can help
keep your back in good shape. (See
Figure 1.)
Having strong back and stomach muscles is important in order to ease the work
your back is put through each day. By doing simple back-toning exercises, you
not only strengthen your back but also reduce stress and improve your appearance,
too! Check with your doctor as to the best exercises for you. (See
Figure
2.)
Pot bellies and excess weight exert extra force on back and stomach muscles. (See
Figure 3.) Your back tries to support the weight out
in front by swaying backwards, causing excess strain on the lower back muscles.
By losing weight, you can reduce strain and pain in your back. Check with your
doctor for the most sensible diet plan for you
You can prevent many back pains by learning to sit, stand and lift items correctly.
When you sit down, don't slouch. Slouching makes the back ligaments, not the muscles,
stretch and hurt, thus putting pressure on the vertebrae. The best way to sit
is straight, with your back against the back of the chair with your feet flat
on the floor and your knees slightly higher than your hips. (See
Figure
4.) Learn to stand tall with your head up and shoulders back.
Sleep on a firm mattress or place plywood between your box springs and mattress
for good back support. If your mattress is too soft it could result in a back
sprain or sway back. Sleep on your side with your knees bent (see
Figure
5) or on your back with a pillow under your knees for support. Drive with
your back straight against the seat and close enough to the wheel so your knees
are bent and are slightly higher than your hips.
Lifting objects is often a mindless task, and unfortunately many people perform
their lift incorrectly, resulting in unnecessary strain on their back and surrounding
muscles. In order to lift correctly and reduce strain on your back, it's important
to plan your lift in advance. This means to think about the weight of the object
you will be moving and the distance you will be moving it. (See
Figure
6.) Is it bulky? Will you need help? Do you see any hazards that can be eliminated?
Think about this whenever you do any lifting.
Once you have planned your lift, the next important step is to align yourself
correctly in front of the load with your feet straddling the load, one foot slightly
in front of the other for balance. Slowly squat down by bending your knees, not
your back and stomach. Using both hands, firmly grab the load and bring it as
close to your body as you can. (See
Figure 7.) This
will help distribute the weight of the load over your feet and make the move easier.
Once the load is close to your body, slowly straighten out your legs until you
are standing upright. (See
Figure 8.) Make sure the
load isn't blocking your vision as you begin to walk slowly to your destination.
If you need to turn to the side, turn by moving your feet around and not by twisting
at your stomach.
Once you have reached your destination, it's equally important that the load is
set down correctly. By reversing the above lifting procedures you can reduce the
strain on your back and stomach muscles. If you set your load on the ground, squat
down by bending your knees and position the load out in front of you. (See
Figure
9.) If the load is set down at table height, set the load down slowly and
maintain your contact with it until you are sure the load is secure and will not
fall when you leave.
If the load is too heavy, bulky or awkward for you to lift alone,
find a friend to help you carry it. (See
Figure
10.) If no one is available, is it possible to break the
load into two smaller loads? Or, can you locate a cart or dolly
to help you move it? Look for simple solutions to help make
the move easier on you and your back.
Publication #: CA 94720
This
publication is compiled from various reference sources and
is designed to provide current and authoritative information
on the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding
that the publishers are not engaged in rendering medical,
legal, accounting or other professional service. AgSafe, the
Safety Center, Inc., and FELS believe the information provided
to be correct, but assume no liability for consequential or
other damages attendant to the use of this material. In no
event shall the liability of AgSafe, the Safety Center, Inc.,
or FELS for any claim, however designated, exceed the purchase
price, if any, for this publication. No claim may be maintained
against AgSafe, the Safety Center, Inc., or FELS in any tribunal
unless written notice of the claim is delivered to the applicable
entity within 30 days of its discovery. Information about
the Agsafe Project can be obtained by writing to Agsafe, 140
Warren Hall, University of California, Berkeley,
CA 94720
Disclaimer and Reproduction Information: Information in
NASD does not represent NIOSH policy. Information included in
NASD appears by permission of the author and/or copyright holder.
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