PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-729
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 729
AUGUST 2013
59
PS 729
AUG 13
B
ack injuries are some of the
most common and costly injuries
in the workplace. These include
injuries to the spinal column,
and strains or sprains to back
muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Back injuries aren’t usually
caused by picking up very heavy
items.
More
often,
damage
happens when you use the wrong
technique in
lifting
common,
smaller
items
like
boxes
of
printer paper. Around the motor
pool, that might include stacks of
old paper TMs!
To ward off a bum back, make
sure to learn and use safe lifting
techniques.
•±
Do warm-ups before any physical
exertion.
•±
Stand straight but not rigid; this
maintains the natural curves in your
back. Keep knees flexed.
•±
When sitting, choose a comfortable,
relaxed position, keeping your back
straight. Don’t slouch.
•±
When lying down, help your back curve
naturally. Use a low pillow under your
head and neck. Avoid sleeping on your
stomach.
Prevention is always better than trying to patch up injuries later. Try to reduce the
need for manual lifting around your work area. If you have ideas for safer or easier
materials handling, tell your supervisor.
For safety-related tools and programs you can put into practice today, visit the US
Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center website at:
Watch Your Back!
•±Avoid±excessive±bending,±reaching±or±
twisting±motions.±
•±
When using a team lift, appoint
one person as the leader who tells
everyone else when to pick up
the object and put it down.
•±
Stay physically fit.
Exercise makes your
back and abdomen muscles stronger,
reducing the chance of injury.
•±
Check the weight of the item you
want to lift to see if you need help.
One way to test is by grasping the
object firmly by an outside corner and
tipping it toward you. You may be
able to tell if it is too heavy for one
person. If in doubt, ask for help.
•±
Plan your route ahead. Be sure there
is a clear path where you need to
carry an item. Have a place to put the
item down once you get there.
•±
Bend your knees when lifting items instead
of stooping over. Keep your back straight
and vertical to the ground. Keeping your
head up and stomach muscles tight also
helps with proper posture.
•±
Never twist your body when carrying a
load. If you must turn, move your feet,
rather than your body.
•±
Carry items close to your body. Lifting or
carrying things at arm’s length puts more
strain on your back.
•±
When setting down a load, make sure not
to put strain on your back by bending over.
Squat down instead.
•±
If possible, use equipment for lifting and
carrying heavy items. Materials handling
equipment like handcarts and stock
pickers move items faster without risking
your back.
Safety…
Watch Your Back!
Here±are±some±lifting±tips:
Here±are±some±general±tips±for±preventing±workplace±injuries:
FolLOwiNg these
tips can help
prevent
back injuries!
steady…
steady!
729 58-59.indd
1-2
7/1/13
5:45 PM
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