Back Injuries can occur without any notification. You might be doing normal activities, like taking an oversized box from a shelf and placing it on a work bench. Or you may be doing an activity that is a routine action that you do several times a day. Consider your actions before you take them.

Begin by........

Assessing the Situation

Before lifting and carrying a heavy object, take a few moments to assess the situation:

• How far will you have to carry the load?
• Is the way clear of clutter, cords, slippery areas, overhangs, stairs, curbs, or uneven surfaces?
• Will there be doors that are closed?
• Can you ask someone to hold a door open or place a wedge under the door to hold it open.
• Once you get the load up, will you be able to see over the load, or will the load block your view?
• Can the load be disassembled, carried in pieces, then reassembled?

If you cannot get the assistance you need -- Do Not Carry the Load! Find another way to move the heavy materials like using a hand truck or finding the right help to move the materials with you. Do Not risk hurting yourself or your back!

Point of Interest

Next to headaches medical experts note that back problems are the most common medical complaint. Back pains are also found to be second only to the common cold as the greatest cause of lost workdays. Back injuries alone cost American industry $10-14 billion in workers compensation costs and about 100-million lost workdays annually.

What is the personal cost to you and your family if you cannot work because of a back related injury?

What is the long term cost in physical discomfort, pain and long-term care for back related injuries?

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